With its unforgettable music, enchanting story and the vivid imagery, “The Nutcracker” has become synonymous with the holiday season. It is a classic tradition that has weathered the test of time, captivating audiences’ hearts and minds for generations. Philadelphia offers a whole host of Nutcracker productions – from dance school performances, to international touring companies, local companies and of course the highly acclaimed Pennsylvania Ballet.
But in addition to the myriad of Nutcracker offerings, Philadelphia’s dance community offers up a host of other productions that have also become holiday traditions. Such are Dance Del Bello’s Christmas Carol, Eleone Dance Theater’s Carol in Colors and Contempra Dance’s Philly-Nut-Crak-Up.
Below is our annual guide to this season’s best. Take a moment to unplug from the television, the internet and cell phones; gather up the kids and family, and start your own special tradition.
WHERE TO SEE THE NUTCRACKER
Pennsylvania Ballet
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Escape to the Land of Sweets for the Philadelphia region’s most beloved holiday tradition, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™. For 46 years, families have created yuletide memories with Pennsylvania Ballet’s production of this classic tale. The simple story of a girl, a gift, and a fanciful dream is made magical by opulent sets and costumes, the charm of The School of Pennsylvania Ballet students, and the impassioned artistry of Pennsylvania Ballet dancers. The celebrated Philadelphia Boys Choir raises their voices with the magnificent Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra to bring Tschaikovsky’s unforgettable score to life.
December 6, 2014 to December 31, 2014
Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
www.paballet.org
Philadelphia Dance Theatre – A Philadelphia Nutcracker
The Northeast’s favorite and only local version, “A Philadelphia Nutcracker” ballet, set in 19th century Philadelphia, will be staged by the Philadelphia Dance Theatre. This distinctive production, which will feature authentic period streetscapes, storefronts, and homes from Germantown, Mt. Airy, and Chestnut Hill as the setting for E.T.A. hoffman’s classic tale. The scenery and stage settings by Mt. Airy artist and educator, Christopher Fox, will replicate area locales from the late 1800’s. The traditional party scene in Act I is set in the Thomas Mansion on Wissahickon Avenue, a Gothic style home built in 1869. The Land of the Snow is set upon “Tommy’s Hill,” the Northeast’s favorite sledding spot in Fairmount Park Act II sets highlight several Germantown Avenue merchants where Clara and her Prince explore the shops and sample sweets from local bakers and candy makers. Guest artists include; Yosbel Delgado, formerly of Pennsylvania Ballet and National Ballet de Cuba, will return to the role of Cavalier; Gleidson Vasoncelos, formerly of Royal Winnepeg Ballet and Ballet Arizona, will be featured as Snow King; Ruka White of Phildanco will return as Herr Drosselmeyer; and PDT alumni, Isabelle Seiler, currently on scholarship at the National Ballet School of Canada, will premier in the role of Sugar Plum Fairy.
Friday, November 28th at 7pm
Saturday, November 29th at 1pm & 4pm
David Kurtz Center, William Penn Charter School, 3000 W. Schoolhouse Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Tickets are $25 for Adults and $20 for children, students, and seniors
Ticket information is available at www.philadancetheatre.org. or call 215.247.4272
Delaware Valley Dance Academy presents The Nutcracker
Experience The Magic of Ballet! Join us for this favorite holiday treat set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score and performed by over 100 of the area’s fines dancers. After dancing the night away at her family’s holiday party, Clara embarks on a thrilling adventure that takes her into battle with giant mice, through an enchanted forest and into the magical Land of Sweets. DVDA’s Nutcracker is a festive and magical way to ring in the holiday season and to introduce children to the power and beauty of ballet. Children from 3 to 93 will be mesmerized by the costumes, beautiful music and exceptional dancing in this lavish production.
December 5th at 7:30pm
December 6th at 1:30pm
Calvary Church 820 Route 113, Souderton, PA
$25 for Adults
$21 for Students/Seniors
https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=dvda
Nutcracker 1776
The Rock School for Dance Education’s annual holiday spectacular- is a dazzling performance capturing the awe-inspiring talent in ballet. The professionally trained, international students of The Rock School will take the audience on an enchanted journey as they dance as magical fairies, toy soldiers and Founding Fathers. Taking elements from George Balanchine’s Nutcracker and infusing them with themes from Philadelphia’s rich history, this 70 minute performance will entertain audience members of all ages.
TWO LOCATIONS:
Merriam Theater, 250 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Friday, December 19th – 7:00pm show
Saturday, December 20th – 1:00pm and 4:00pm shows
Buy your tickets online at http://kimmelcenter.org/events/index.php?id=5052
or by phone through Ticket Philadelphia at 215-893-1999.
Pottstown Dance Theatre – The Nutcracker Suite – A Christmas Extravaganza
See contemporary works, live music from international pianist, Jeff Nations and excerpts from the timeless classic, “The Nutcracker.” Choreography by former Kirov principal dancers, Andrei Ustinov and Elena Martinson as well as internationally acclaimed dance artist Michelle Jones Wurtz.
Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 7:30pm
Sunday, December 7, 2014 at 3:00pm
Pottstown High School, 750 N. Washington Street, Pottstown, PA 19464
Tickets: $17 General Admissions; $12 Students/ Seniors
Purchase Tickets Online at http://www.danceboxoffice.com/product_details.php?item_id=128
The Philadelphia Dance Academy – 5th Annual Nutcracker
The Philadelphia Dance Academy, now in its 10th Anniversary Season, and The Philadelphia Youth Ballet celebrate their 5th annual production of the Nutcracker: the popular ballet that has become a holiday classic throughout the world. Our production of the Nutcracker features performances by Dance Academy students, Youth Ballet members, and professional guest artists.
Friday, December 12 2014 at 7:00 PM — 8:30 PM
Saturday, December 13 2014 at 12:30 PM — 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 13 2014 at 3:00 PM — 4:30 PM
Saturday, December 13 2014 at 6:00 PM — 7:30 PM
Mandell Theater at Drexel University, 33rd and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Tickets: $15 – $25 Buy online at http://philadelphia-dance-academy.ticketleap.com/nutcracker2014/
International Ballet Classique Presents The Nutcracker Ballet
From December 11 through December 14, 2014 International Ballet Classique (IBC) in collaboration with the Academy of International Ballet (AIB) celebrates the holidays with Artistic Director Denis Gronostayskiy’s beloved production of The Nutcracker Ballet performed in the finest traditions of the Bolshoi. IBC’s full length production has been seen by over 15,000 people in our region since its premiere ten years ago. The enchanting story of Clara’s adventures with her Nutcracker doll, the Rat King and the Sugar Plum Fairy is a superb visual feast! Surrender to the magic and become swept into the excitement of the holiday season with exquisite dance artistry, vivid sets, and gorgeous costumes designed by AIB’s Ballet Mistress Anastasia Babayeva, a former Soloist with the internationally acclaimed Bolshoi Ballet Company.
Fri, Dec 12, 2014 7:30 PM
Sat, Dec 13, 2014 2:00 PM
Sat, Dec 13, 2014 7:30 PM
Sun, Dec 14, 2014 2:00 PM
Meagher Theatre at Neuman College, 1 Neuman Drive, Aston, PA
Adult: $20.00; Senior: $16.00; Student: $16.00
https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=ibc
The Nutcracker with the Donetsk Ballet of Ukraine
The Donetsk Ballet will be bringing 18 professional dancers from Ukraine to perform the holiday favorite with 50 area dance students who will dance the children’s parts. The company dazzles audiences throughout the world with their impeccable technique and artistry. There are only two shows, one on each day. Read more in The Dance Journal
Presented by International Ballet Exchange
Saturday, December 20, 6:30 PM
Sunday, December 21, 2 PM
Plymouth/Whitemarsh High School, 201 East Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Tickets: $28 adults and $18 students/seniors
To purchase online http://ibexchange.ticketleap.com
PHILADELPHIA HOLIDAY DANCE FAVORITES
BalletFleming – Dancing in a Winter Wonderland
The Holiday Show by BalletFleming: Dancing in a Winter Wonderland, will be gracing the stage this Thanksgiving weekend. Take a break from holiday shopping, to enjoy a family friendly ballet performance that gets everyone in the mood for the holidays.
BalletFleming, known for its contemporary works, presents a holiday show that is a step away from the Nutcracker. This performance will feature choreography by Artistic Director, Christopher Fleming and returning guest choreographer Thomas Gant Jr. Music will include classic holiday selections by: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and more.
Saturday, November 29th at 2pm & 7pm
Shiloh Baptist Church. 2040 Christian Street, Philadelphia
Tickets: $25
Purchase online: www.tix.com Keyword: BalletFleming
Lady Hoofers Holiday Concert
The Lady Hoofers annual Holiday Concert featuring live music, our First Company Dancers and our new Youth Company. This year’s show will include favorites, such as “Skating” choreographed by Becky Mastin, in addition to a premiere by Katie Budris. The hour-long concert is family friendly and handicap accessible.
Saturday, December 6th at 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 North American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Tickets: $25 general admission, $18 student/child/senior
Purchase online at https://www.artful.ly/store/events/4403
Philly Nutt Crak-Up
Old City lights the stage with holiday magic in ContempraDANCE Theatre’s “Philly Nutt Crak-Up”, a comical dance-filled spoof of the Nutcracker. Fun for the whole family! Philly Nutt Crak-Up returns to the Painted Bride! Artistic Director, Gail Vartanian and her infamous Rappin SugarPlum Fairy are back with the battling Hip Hoppin Rats, City Hall Dolls, Captain Philadelphia and Liberty Belle-Anne, for another season of the hilarious holiday dance spoof, “Philly Nutt Crak-Up”. This “nutty” holiday take-off of the classic Nutcracker is based on an original rap song written by the SugarPlum Fairy herself. This theatrical extravaganza is a story filled with superheroes, kung-fu fighting, Penn’s Angels and our very own South Street Rocky-Ettes at the Kingdom of Prussia. “Philly Nutt Crak-Up” is filled with references to local Philadelphia places, personalities, foods and skylines, combining comedy, hip-hop, jazz, modern and ballet dance creating a memorable event for our audience. ” Philly Nutt Crak-Up” has been featured in Philadelphia Magazine, Dance Magazine, the City Paper, a feature segment on Channel 6 ABC’s Prime Time Weekly show and NBC’s 10 show. New acts, new faces! Fun for all ages, even your DAD. You don’t want to miss this one!
Friday December 5 @ 7:30pm
Saturday December 6 @ 2:30pm and 7:30pm
*Sunday December 7 @ 1:30pm
*Sunday you can meet the nutty cast and get their autographs
Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA. 19106
$35 General Admission. To order call 215.925.9914 ext. 301 or online at https://paintedbride.org/events/philly-nutt-crak/
BRIAN SANDERS JUNK 1.1 Holiday Revue Special
“1.1 Hours of surreal fun for the whole family”
“swooping, sparkling fun” ~ Philadelphia Inquirer”
The holidays sparkle with Brian Sanders’ JUNK company premiere “1.1 Holiday Revue Special”. A fun filled family holiday program celebrates 20 years of joyous fun and creativity with hits from nationally touring children’s show “SKINK”, our critically acclaimed Fringe productions, and previews of new works. Expect 1.1 hours of clever costumes, fantastical acrobatics, and surreal holiday fun!
JUNK
2040 Christian Street
Philadelphia PA 19146
Tickets:
General Admission $25
12 and-under, Seniors, and Students $17.50
4 and-under, free with reservation
Families of 4+, or group sales contact [email protected]
Click HERE for tickets!
Fri December 12, 5p, 7:30p
Sat December 13, 5p, 7:30p
Sun December 14, 5p
Fri December 19, 5p and 7:30p
Sat December 20, 5p and 7:30p
Sun December 21, 5p
Fri December 26, 5p and 7:30p
Sat December 27, 5p and 7:30p
Sun December 28, 5p and 7:30p
Mon December 29, 5p and 7:30p
Tue December 30, 5p and 7:30p
Fri Jan 2, 5p and 7:30p
Sat Jan 3, 5p and 7:30p
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Join Ballet 180 for a fun, jazzy ballet that brings to life the upbeat jazz tempos from Vince Guaraldi’s classic album of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Audiences can expect a crowd-pleasing performance of technically challenging dances, entertaining moments of comedy, and even singing. This family friendly production will be sure to leave you in the spirit for the holiday season!
Saturday, December 13 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Wayne United Methodist Church, 210 S. Wayne Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087
Tickets: $25 general admission; $12.50 ages 18 and under
Purchase online at http://ballet180.ticketleap.com/charlie-brown-christmas/
Footwerx Holiday Tap Dance Showcase
Kick off your Holiday Season with the Tri State area’s most talented tappers – A show for the entire family – a performance that will tap into your heart and soul!
Saturday, December 6th at 4:00pm & 7:00pm
Arts Bank at the University of the Arts, 601 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
For Tickets and Information call 484-483-8347
http://www.footwerx.com/
Dance Del Bello presents A Christmas Carol – the Ballet by David Kloss
Journey through time on one magical night as three mysterious visitors help Ebenezer Scrooge come to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Dance Del Bello presents David Kloss’ captivating interpretation of the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol”. Mr. Kloss’ choreography of Charles Dickens’ tale has won critical acclaim, including special recognition from Cedric Dickens, great grandson of Charles Dickens. Reception following the performance.
Sunday December 14, 2014 at 3pm
Gateway Auditorium, Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940
General Admission $25; Students & Seniors $15; Children 8 and under $10
Tickets on Dance Box Office at http://www.danceboxoffice.com/product_details.php?item_id=129
23rd Season of Carols in Color
Carols In Color is a holiday dance musical that tells the gospel according to St. Matthew by using contemporary music, exuberant dance and powerful narration. The production features a number of Philadelphia’s premiere vocalists and the soul stirring movements of Eleone Dance Theater.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2014 @ 3:00PM AND 7:00PM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2014 @ 3:00PM AND 7:00PM
The Kurtz Center, Wm. Penn Charter Schol, 3000 W. School House Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19144
$30 | $27 seniors/students/children
Tickets online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/900735
