Courtesy photoA scene from 'Peanutcracker,' an abridged version of the classic holiday ballet aimed at a younger audience.
For small children who might love the fanciful "Nutcracker" ballet but squirm at its length, there's "Peanutcracker - The Story in a Nutshell," an abridged, 45-minute version of the ballet performed by the Sierra Nevada Ballet.
"Peanutcracker," written and choreographed by Rosina Bena, the ballet group's artistic director, will be performed at several local venues, including the Carson City Community Center at 2:30 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 5. Tickets are $11 for adults and $6 for children and can be purchased at online at www.sierranevadaballet.com.
Sierra Nevada Ballet will also perform at Piper's Opera House in Virginia City at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and in Reno at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15
For those fans who prefer a more modern version of the classic ballet, there's "The Nutcracker Ballet - All Jazz'd Up!" produced by danceSpirit, a dance school and studio in Carson City.
The show incorporates jazz, tap and hip hop into the ballet tale and features 54 performers aged 5 to 65 years old.
"Jazz'd Up!" will be on stage at the Community Center on Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10, available at the door or by calling 775-884-1066.