Whether you’re a fan of toe shoes or can’t tell a tutu from a toucan, The Nutcracker is sure to win you over (and is the perfect introduction to ballet for children). The holiday classic receives stagings across the Front Range, from small dance school recitals to full-blown, big-budget productions with live orchestra and all the trimmings.
But no matter the dance troupe, Nutcracker dazzles audiences with glittering snowflakes, shimmering sugarplums, the thrilling battle between the Mouse King and the oh-so-handsome Prince and more, all to Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary score. Spend a little or spend a little bit more, the choice is yours. (We’ve noted any discounts.) Here are some productions in 2024 to check out:
Ballet Melange
November 16 & 17. Traditional three-act production. The holiday classic transports the audience to a land of magic where dreams come true. Features elaborate costumes from Russia and Ukraine. Tickets: $39. Discounts available for seniors and children. Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 Allison Pkwy., Lakewood.
Dana Benton and Artists of Colorado Ballet by Mike Watson
Colorado Ballet
November 30 to December 29. Largest production in the state, with Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary arrangement performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. The real deal, with a full professional production with company dancers and local children. Features all new sets and costumes. Tickets: $40 and up. Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
Dance Conservatory of Denver
November 30 & December 1. “The Children’s Nutcracker” is performed by children ages 3 to 17 and is geared towards an audience of all ages. Enjoy a less formal, but magical, rendition of this holiday classic. Tickets: $40. Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 Allison Pkwy., Lakewood.
Boulder Ballet
November 30 & December 1. One of Colorado’s major productions of the holiday tradition, with a cast of more than 80 dancers including the professional company and charming young student dancers, the Boulder Philharmonic, spectacular scenery and special effects. Tickets: $25 and up. Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St. (CU Boulder campus). Additional performances on December 7 & 8 in Longmont at Vance Brand Auditorium, with tickets $29 and up.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
November 30 & December 1. Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet is a fully-produced national tour of the Christmas favorite with 40 dancers, amazing acrobatics, 10-foot-tall puppets and stunning sets and costumes. Features and extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian principal artists. Tickets: $44 to $88 (plus processing fee). HUGE DISCOUNT! Buy through Groupon for up to 42% off tickets and no extra fees. Paramount Theater, 1621 Glenarm Pl., Denver.
Belliston Ballet
November 30 & December 1. The production presents students from throughout the Denver-Metro area. Ranging in age from 8 to 18, each student will invest over 250 hours of training and rehearsal in preparation for this year’s performance. The average age of performers is 12 years old. Tickets: $30 to $38. Shows at the Newman Center at the University of Denver.
Parker Arts & Denver Ballet Theatre
December 12 to 17. Full-length professional performance with professional backdrops and sets. Tickets: $29 to $34. PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker.
Colorado Conservatory of Dance/Image by Amanda Tipton Photography
Colorado Conservatory of Dance
December 14 & 15, 21 & 22. Sixty CCD students join guest artists from national companies. Gorgeous sets and costumes, stunning choreography, and professional guest artists from Pacific Northwest Ballet and Boston Ballet. Saturday performances at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday performances at 1 p.m. Tickets: $25 to $60. Use code MILEHI15 for 15% off tickets! Performing Arts Complex at PCS, 1001 W. 84th Ave, Denver.
Littleton Youth Ballet
December 20 to 22. Features a cast of more than 140 children, pre-professional dancers, and guest artists, this delightful ballet (with full backdrops and beautiful costumes) will transport you to a simpler time and an enchanting place. Performances at the Joanna Ramsey Theatre. Tickets: $26 to $48. Joanna Ramsey Theatre, 6933 Raleigh St, Westminster.
Parker Dance Academy
December 20 & 21. Performances by Academy students. Tickets: $25. Ponderosa High School, 7007 Bayou Gulch Rd., Parker.
Centennial State Ballet
December 21. Features Longmont pre-professional and academy students as well as guest artists with live orchestra accompaniment. Tickets: $24 to 29. Niwot H.S. Auditorium, 8989 Niwot Rd., Niwot.