The holiday season is upon us and as the calendar fills up with shopping, baking and decorating, one occasion that has become an annual tradition for many families is going to see The Nutcracker.
Weāre fortunate to have a very diverse and active dance community in the Puget Sound area. Like fine wines and delicate chocolates, ballet companies have different and unique approaches to their study of dance, and these philosophies have a profound effect on the staging, style, setting and performance of their Nutcracker productions.
Below is a sneak peek to our guide of Nutcracker performances. For the complete list, visit seattleschild.com
Pacific Northwest Ballet
When the curtain goes up on George Balanchineās The Nutcracker, a new era for the Pacific Northwest Ballet will rush in. The Nutcracker experience features a picture-perfect lobby, Tchaikovskyās classic score (played brilliantly by the PNB Orchestra), gorgeous costumes and scenery, impressive performances, and so much more! Ā The Nutcracker will feature dancers in a full-length, two-hour performance certain to bring Claraās dreams to life for a new generation of fans.Ā
PNB also makes the tradition of The Nutcracker more than just a performance with special themed nights. Enchanted Lobby on November 29, 30, and December 1, where you will get to experience a winter wonderland in the lobby. It will feature photo-ops with Snowflake characters, pop-up magic shows, and sweet treats for all in the Lobby. There will be other themed nights for 2024 this season, learn more here.Ā
There will be a sensory-friendly performance at the 2 p.m. matinee on December 19.
Date: November 29-December 28, 2024
Location: McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109
Cost: $29-$207 per person. Buy tickets here.
Contact: 206-441-2424, pnb.org
International Ballet Theatre
Exquisite costumes, sets, and the International Ballet Theatreās talented dancers are the reason that families return to see IBTās classical rendition of The Nutcracker year after year. With its roots in the traditional constructs of Russian ballet philosophy, this performance is staged according to the original choreography as it was first performed at the Mariinsky Theatre in 1892. This production features a cast of 80 talented young people, experienced professional dancers and visualperformance artists who bring the story of The Nutcracker to life.
The program length is 1 hour 50 minutes with 15 minute intermission.
Date: December 6-23, 2024. Various times
Location: Meydenbauer Theatre, 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004
Cost: $62 for general admission, $52 for military/seniors, $42 for youth 14 and under. Buy tickets here.
Contact: (425) 822-7694, IBTbellevue.org
Photo credit: Isabel Sanden
Tacoma City Ballet
Tacoma City Ballet presentsĀ The Nutcracker in the magnificent Pantages Theater, accompanied by the Tacoma City Ballet Orchestra. Enjoy an afternoon of sheer delight with the whole family, and make a scrumptious holiday memory that will last a lifetime! A perfect holiday gift! This special Nutcracker is worth a weekend trip to downtown Tacoma.
Date: December 14-15, 21-22 at 2 p.m. and December 20 at 7 p.m.
Location: Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402
Cost: Ticket prices start at $27.50 plus fees. Buy tickets here.Ā
Contact: 253-272-4219, tacomacityballet.com
Read more:
Your ultimate guide to Seattle-area holiday ‘Nutcracker’ performances
