My Favourite Holiday Tradition.

The Nutcracker has to be my absolute favourite holiday tradition. My mom used to take us every year when we lived in Toronto, back when the O'Keefe Centre was home to the National Ballet (and back when it was still called the O'Keefe Centre). It was never anything less than thrilling. Well, I have every intention of reviving the tradition this year and it looks as if the National Ballet is not the only Nutcracker in town. According to today's Star, from which I took the above picture because I couldn't find another one I liked anywhere else, there are no less than five productions of The Nutcracker going up this December. Unfortunately, all except the National Ballet's production have limited runs. All the info is here, but I'll give a brief run-down.

The Canadian Nutcracker: Pictured above, it's a Nutcracker inspired by a Group of Seven painting and set in Algonquin Park. This one sounds like the most interesting re-imagination. Ballet Jorgen's production is playing tomorrow and Saturday in Mississauga and then throughout Ontario.

The Classical Nutcracker: The closest you can get to the Russian original is playing from December 18-21 at the Winter Garden Theatre. It's put on by Canadian Ballet Theatre.

The Modern Nutcracker: Choreographed by Xing Ban Fu, performed by Xing Dance Theatre, it incorporates aspects of modern dance, too.

The Community Nutcracker: The Pia Bouman School's production is generally community based and usually features a local politician. It is also re-choreographed annually.

The National Nutcracker: By far the most spectacular, and with the most opportunities to see it, the National Ballet's production runs through December 28. It also has rush tickets, available the day of, for $30. It is otherwise the most expensive Nutcracker. And completely worth it.

I would absolutely love to see the Ballet Jorgen production, but I don't think I'm going to make it, sadly. I will definitely turn out for NBC's production, if not another in addition. Also, if you're a fan of the dance or are just looking for something to do, the National Ballet of Canada offers a discounted ticket program called DanceBreak if you're between the ages of 16-29. Check it out and sign up here.