The Thomas Armour Youth Ballet’s Nutcracker By Guillermo Perez, Artburst

The December holidays are approaching and along with them, as sure as thicker waists and thinner wallets, The Nutcracker. Big-scaled or modest, all local or propped up by imported talent, there’s a production of America’s most popular ballet to suit any taste. But please don’t take the predictable assortment for granted or chuckle too readily at insider jokes: Who quipped that every Christmas just finds us another Nutcracker closer to death? Going to watch this dance is one of our few artistic and cultural rituals, which not only keeps studios busy and theaters full but also bolsters time-tested values. Read more.