Tchaikovsky’s two-act classical ballet The Nutcracker has been a holiday tradition since it was composed in 1892. The story follows a young girl named Clara and her dreamlike adventures with a toy nutcracker gifted to her on Christmas Eve. The performance has been adapted endless times, with some performers following the traditional storyline and others adding their own twist and personality. From local community shows to nationally acclaimed productions, here are 14 performances across Northern Virginia and Washington, DC.
Cincinnati Ballet
November 26–30, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m.
The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $60.95
Virginia National Ballet
November 28, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $40–$65
December 11, 7 p.m.
Chrysler Hall: 215 St. Pauls Blvd., Norfolk, starting at $60.80
December 19, 6 p.m.
Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $77.30
Academy of Russian Ballet
November 29, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $50
Fairfax Ballet
November 29–30, 4 p.m.
Fairfax High School: 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax, $32.50–$37.75
The Washington Ballet
November 29–December 28
Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, Washington, DC, $49–$180
Ravel Dance Company
November 29, 2 p.m.
Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $78.65
December 12–14
The Leila Gordon Theatre: 2310 Colts Neck Rd., Reston, $25
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
November 30, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, starting at $49.15
Festival Ballet Virginia
December 5–7
Richard J. Ernst Cultural Center: 8430 Center Dr., Annandale, $20–$33
Mia Saunders School of Ballet
December 13–14, 3p.m.
Centreville High School: 6001 Union Mill Rd., Clifton, $13.60
Metropolitan School of the Arts
December 13–14, noon and 5 p.m.
Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center: 4915 E. Campus Dr., Alexandria, $37
Manassas Ballet Theatre
December 17–23, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $50–$91
Loudoun Ballet Performing Arts Company
December 19–21
Loudoun Valley High School: 340 N. Maple Ave., Purcellville, $37.75
Fairfax Ballet and Fairfax Symphony
December 20–21, 4 p.m.
George Mason University Center for the Arts: 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, $44–$95
Virginia Ballet Company and School
December 27–29, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center: 8333 Little River Tpk., Wakefield, $37.75
Feature image courtesy Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
