By Micaela Williamson
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and these local professional performances of The Nutcracker leave audiences enchanted without requiring a trip into the city.
Institute for Performing Arts, Nutcracker in a Shell All Jazzed Up
Nov. 22-23
Heritage High School
Leesburg
The Creative Dance Center introduces younger audiences to the tradition of The Nutcracker through a jazzy version performed by “children for children.”
Nov. 28
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Manassas
The Gainesville Ballet brings together professional dancers with local student performers in two full-length ballet performances of The Nutcracker on Friday, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The perfect way to start the holiday season!
Northern Virginia Youth Ballet
Nov. 29
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Manassas
This intricate, full-length production of The Nutcracker features stars from The American Ballet Theatre as well as talented dances from the Northern Virginia Youth Ballet.
Nov. 29-30
W.T. Woodson High School
Fairfax
Since 1991, The Fairfax Ballet has been dazzling local families with their beautiful production of The Nutcracker. This year’s performance features Company dancers, students from the Russell School of Ballet and professional guest artists.
Ballet NoVA Center Dance Company
Dec. 4-7
Thomas Jefferson Community Theater
Arlington
This professional performance includes children and professional dancers, stunning customs, and gorgeous scenery. For the little ones, Ballet NoVA is offering a special “petite preschool performance” on Dec. 12 and 13. This performance at the Falls Church center includes 45 minutes of Nutcracker highlights.
Dec. 19-21
Freedom High School
South Riding
A Loudoun county family tradition, the Loudoun Ballet School is pleased to present its 25th anniversary of The Nutcracker. The performance combines the talents of local and professional dancers. This year on Saturday, Dec. 13, the ballet is offering a special Nutcracker Tea Party, complete with tea sandwiches, scones, beverages and Nutcracker characters, at the Salamander Resort in Middleburg. Prepaid reservations are required here.
Dec. 27-29
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale Campus
Enjoy the Northern Virginia region’s longest running classical production of The Nutcracker featuring over a hundred students in a colorful selection of costumes. The performance is scheduled after Christmas, allowing families to enjoy the show without the craziness of the holiday rush.
- Courtesy of Tiffany Brown, Mamaratzy Photography
Micaela Williamson is a co-author of local travel guide, Kid Trips Northern Virginia, an extraordinary resource that provides descriptions, useful information and insider tips for hundreds of local destinations. Micaela is also an award winning blogger who enjoys supporting area businesses and scouting out family-friendly venues with her two young sons.
