Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

Nutcracker Guide 2017

The Puget Sound region offers an astounding array of opportunities to experience the Nutcracker with your child.

 

Whether the Nutcracker is a regular part of your holiday tradition, or you’re looking to try it for the first time, there are plenty to choose from—each with a different style. Some offer extras with pre- and post-show activities including a chance to meet dancers, yummy treats, a glimpse into the workings of the theatre, photos with Santa and more. There are even a few that offer shorter running times for tiny attention spans. Whatever you choose, you and your kids are in for a treat.

 

SEATTLE

 

Pacific Northwest Ballet

Pacific Northwest Ballet presents the George Balanchine version of the Tchaikovsky classic, featuring decadent costumes and sets designed by author/illustrator Ian Falconer best known for Olivia the Pig. Add the “Nutcracker Suites” experience for special tasty treats and activities at intermission ($30). Recommended for ages 6 and older.

 

Where: McCaw Hall, 301 Mercer St., Seattle
When: Now through Dec. 28
Cost: $25-$170
Contact: 206-441-2424, www.pnb.org

 

Cornish College of the Arts

This production features students from the Preparatory Dance Program ranging from ages 6 to 18 along with the Cornish Preparatory Dance Company. There are classic elements of the original ballet with touches of humor. All ages are welcome with the exception of babes in arms. Families with small children are advised that there is a small amount of smoke and a loud bang during a battle scene.

When: Dec. 15-17
Where: Cornish Playhouse Main Auditorium, 201 Mercer St., Seattle
Cost: $16-$20
Contact: 206-726-5176, www.cornish.edu

 

Roosevelt Jazz Band

Hear the Roosevelt Jazz Band perform Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s Jazz Nutcracker. There’s no dance onstage, but listening to this jazz rendition might have you moving in your seat.

 

When: Dec. 2-3
Where: Roosevelt High School Performing Arts Theatre, 1410 N.E. 66th St., Seattle
Cost: $13-$18
Contact: 206-201-1650, www.rooseveltjazz.org/events/jazz-nutcracker

 

DASS Dance

This mini performance by professionals and students includes breakfast, prizes, and pictures with Santa and Nutcracker characters. DASSdance is known for its athletic mixture of styles ranging from hip-hop to ballet.

 

Where: Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave., Seattle
When: Dec. 10-17
Cost: $20-$25
Contact: 206-860-6020, www.dassdance.org

 

ARC Dance

ARC Dance offers Nutcracker Sweets, a kid-friendly, abridged version of the Nutcracker showcasing the talented students of Arc School of Ballet and members of the professional company, ARC Dance. Parents can enjoy the show from riser seating, and kids are invited to sit on the floor, up front to see the dancers up close (at the Ballard location only).

 

Where: ARC Dance Space, 9250 14th Ave. N.W., Seattle
When: Dec. 8-10
Cost: $15-$25
Contact: 206-352-0798, www.arcdance.org

 

Where: Shorewood Performing Arts Center, 17300 Fremont Ave. N., Shoreline
When: Dec. 16
Cost: $27-$43
Contact: 206-352-0798, www.arcdance.org

 

Ensemble Ballet Theatre

One of the best values in town to get your Nutcracker fix, this production features talented young dancers. The intermission also boasts a large selection of refreshments and Nutcracker memorabilia.

 

When: Dec. 1-3
Where: Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center, 400 Second St., Renton
Cost: $15-$25
Contact: 1-877-328-8771. www.ebtballet.orghttp://www.ebtballet.org/

 

EASTSIDE

 

International Ballet Theatre

This production features a cast of 80 talented youth and experienced professional dancers. Choreographed by Vera Altunina, IBT's interpretation of The Nutcracker Ballet is packed full of its original European flavor, beautiful costumes and theatrical pageantry.

 

When: Dec. 15-22
Where: The Theatre at Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue
Cost: $25-$50
Contact: 425-284-0444, www.TheNutcrackerInBellevue.com

 

Evergreen City Ballet

Choose from the full two-hour version, or a kid-friendly one-hour performance. After each performance, dancers will come to the lobby (in costume!) to meet the audience and take photos. Three locations to choose from.

 

Where: The Theatre at Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue
When: Now through Dec. 3.
Cost: $18-$36
Contact: 1-800-514-3849, www.evergreencityballet.org

 

Where: Auburn Performing Arts Center, 704 Fourth St. N.E., Auburn
When: Dec. 9-10
Cost: $18-$36
Contact: 1-800-514-3849, www.evergreencityballet.org

 

Where: Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center, 400 Second St., Renton
When: Dec. 16-17
Cost: $18-$36
Contact: 1-800-514-3849, www.evergreencityballet.org

 

NORTH SOUND

 

Washington School of Dance

This performance features over 100 dancers. With a narration and hour-long running time, it's a good introduction to the ballet for young families.

 

When: 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 16-17.
Where: Glacier Peak Performing Arts Center, 7401 144th Pl. S.E., Snohomish
Cost: $15
Contact: 425-481-7899, www.wsdnutcracker2017.brownpapertickets.com

 

Emerald Ballet Theatre

11th annual production accompanied by Rainier Symphony featuring guest dancers from San Francisco Ballet (Dec. 2-3) and Master Ballet Academy (Dec. 9-10).

 

Where: Northshore Performing Arts Center, 18125 92nd Ave. N.E., Bothell
When: Dec. 2-10
Cost: $20-$43
Contact: 425-298-3449, www.npacf.org/nutcracker

 

Olympic Ballet Theatre

Olympic Ballet Theatre has an abridged, one-hour performance with a special intermission segment that introduces children to some of the basics of theatre, including lighting, sets, and costumes. This year Olympic Ballet will be premiering all new Act I sets, designed by local scenic artist, Phillip Lienau.

 

When: Dec. 9-10
Where: Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett
Cost: $25-$38
Contact: 425-774-7570, www.olympicballet.org

 

When: Dec. 15-17
Where: Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds
Cost: $25-$38
Contact: 425-774-7570, www.olympicballet.org

 

Skagit Valley Academy of Dance

Skagit Valley Academy of Dance celebrates their 28th annual family-friendly performance.

 

When:    Dec. 1-3
Where: McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon
Cost: $20-$37
Contact: 360-416-7727, www.mcintyrehall.org

 

Northwest Ballet Theatre

This performance is based on the original Russian ballet version. Northwest Ballet’s production features beautiful choreography, backdrops painted in Russia, and costumes made in New York City.

 

When: Dec. 9-10
Where: McIntyre Hall
Cost: $10-$40
Contact:  360-416-7727, www.mcintyrehall.org

 

SOUTH SOUND

 

Russian Grand Ballet

This touring production features Russia’s most talented dancers choreographed by Marius Petip.

 

When: Dec. 19
Where: Pantages Theatre, 901 Broadway, Tacoma
Cost: $35-$85
Contact : 253-591-5890, www.broadwaycenter.org

 

Tacoma City Ballet

Tacoma City Ballet performs the familiar tale plus the prequel story, The Tale of the Hard Nut with music from Tacoma Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy the Sugar Plum Tea after select performances (Dec. 17 &23).

 

When: Dec. 15-23
Where: Federal Way Performing Arts & Events Center, 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S., Federal Way
Cost: $17-$103
Contact: 253-591-5894, www.fwpaec.org

 

Ballet Northwest

Annual production of the holiday classic features a cast of 200 featuring brand new sets for the Snow and Land of Sweets scenes.

 

When: Dec. 8-17
Where: Washington Center for the Performing Arts 512 Washington St. S.E., Olympia
Cost: $14-$33
Contact: 360-753-8586, www.washingtoncenter.org

 

Studio West

This production features over 230 performers along with professional sets, costumes and a magical snow scene. This year’s production features guest soloist, Joshua Grant (Pacific Northwest Ballet). See the show with an optional Clara’s Winter Wonderland party (ages 3 and older) with special treats and photos with cast ($12) one hour prior to show time on various dates.

 

When: Dec. 14-18
Where: Kenneth J. Minnaert Center Main Stage, 2011 Mottman Rd. S.W., Olympia
Cost: $17-$26
Contact: 360-753-8586, www.washingtoncenter.org

 

FARTHER AFIELD

 

Salish Sea Ballet

This youth ballet production features young San Juan Island dancers in a 45-minute family-friendly performance highlighting classic scenes, with an island twist. Enjoy a tea party and holiday treats after the performance, meet with characters in costume, and shop a holiday gift boutique.

 

When: Dec. 16-17
Where: Brickworks, 150 Nichols St., Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Cost: $25-$30
Contact: 360-298-1720, www.salishseaballet.com

 

 

About the Author

Nicole Santora