Photo by Timothy Norris
Experience the magic of the holiday season as the timeless tale of The Nutcracker comes to life through enchanting dance performances across the nation's capital.
Being the balletomane that you are (isn’t everyone?), of course you know the Washington Ballet’s beloved, DC-inspired The Nutcracker returns to the Warner Theatre this winter (Nov. 28 – Dec. 27), as it does every holiday season.
But did you know that the District is full to the ballet brim of thrilling productions of the holiday classic? From traditional Nutcracker ballets to contemporary holiday dance performances in Washington, DC, there's something for everyone. The fouettés are … en pointe (sorry) and Tchaikovsky’s score sparkles in every one of these pristine, pre-professional performances. Go get your fill of enchanted trees, twirling snowflakes, sugar plums and so much more.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker – Nov. 17-22
Ballet needs The Nutcracker, but does The Nutcracker need ballet? Not if you ask Tony and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, choreographer and director of this holiday mash-up for the whole family. The Hip Hop Nutcracker combines Tchaikovsky, a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist and MC Da Brat, the trailblazing hip-hop icon. Over at the Warner, they’ll be bringing E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story to 1882 Georgetown; here at the National, trade pirouettes for popping and locking, and watch as Maria-Clara visits contemporary New York City.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show – Dec. 4-23
Ok, so it’s not THE Nutcracker – but it is dance, it is holiday and it is spectacular. And when you get to dance onstage afterward with DJ Nutcracker himself … we think it counts. Don’t miss this only-in-DC show, where the rich tradition of African American stepping meets winter’s festivities in 90 minutes of joy and stunning talent. Afterward, enjoy s’mores on the pier or any number of mouthwatering restaurants at The Wharf.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Phoenix Ballet
Phoenix Ballet at the Atlas Performing Arts Center – Dec. 5-6
Balletcore kids, grab your pink flats and get ready. Slawomir Wozniak’s production (yes, the Slawomir, of TikTok Master Ballet Academy (MBA) fame – but also principal with the National Opera of Warsaw for 11 years and one of Poland’s most well-known dancers) comes to DC for four twinkling performances. This classic version of The Nutcracker ballet presents Phoenix Ballet professionals with MBA soon-to-be stars, and you never know whom you might see.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra
A Pan American Nutcracker – Dec. 5
If you’d like to sit back, close your eyes and let the notes envelop you with no visuals needed, this is the show for you. All music, no dance: so beloved is Tchaikovsky’s score that here it is reimagined by the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra through the lens of Latin and Afro-Caribbean jazz. The festive program also features big band and vocal arrangements of quintessential holiday favorites including “Sleigh Ride” and “Christmas Time Is Here.”
Free; registration recommended.
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20013
Talami Entertainment
Talami Entertainment’s Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet – Dec. 6
The largest Nutcracker production in North American turns The Music Center at Strathmore into a holiday spectacle with dancers from around the world, breathtaking acrobatics, colorful costumes and puppets that will blow your mind. Tchaikovsky's timeless music is the soundtrack to this treasure of family entertainment that is in town for one night only.
Tickets
The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Dance Loft on 14
Dance Loft on 14 – Dec. 11-20
A Nutcracker Dream is another production that combines young talent and professional dancers to create a truly magical retelling. Dancers join from Moveius (the company-in-residence of Diana Movius, founder and artistic director of Dance Loft), the community and the studio’s youth program. Journey through the Land of the Sweets in this Petworth tradition, half a city away from the National Mall. And keep it on your calendar for next year if you want to audition!
Tickets
Dance Loft on 14, 4618 14th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20011
CityDance
CityDance – Dec. 19-20
CityDance’s Conservatory program presents its Clara, Fritz and Prince at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Klein Theatre. On Dec. 19 & 20, catch these rising stars along with guest artists from the Joffrey Ballet, Washington Ballet and more. CityDance uses the 1961 choreography by Mary Day – the founder of the Washington Ballet.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington DC 20004
Want more arts and culture? Check out DC's vibrant theater and performing arts scene, and discover dance in the District year-round.
Partner Content