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For dance lovers looking to get into the holiday spirit, The Nutcracker is a must at this time of year. Thankfully, the Washington D.C. area has numerous performances of the beloved ballet from which to choose. While there’s over a dozen performances ranging in size from huge ballet troupes to small dance studios, here’s a few that stand out among the rest.

American Ballet Theater: Few companies can compete with the size and talents of American Ballet Theatre, so if you only see one Nutcracker this season, make this one your choice. Attending The Kennedy Center is a treat in itself, making the experience extra festive. The performances run from Dec. 18-23 in the Opera House, and the Opera House Orchestra will accompany all performances.

The Washington Ballet: These performances are already underway and will continue through December 23 at The Warner Theater. This is Septime Webre’s vintage patriotic version of the classic story, where the setting is an A-list party on the Potomac in historic Washington. George Washington takes over the role of the heroic Nutcracker and King George is the evil Rat King. This year, the company will be spreading the holiday spirit by broadcasting the Dec. 7 performance on television to U.S. troops serving overseas. Isabelle Johnston, 7 year-old daughter of Marine Frank Johnston, will be performing for the first time this year as a Mouse, and her father will be able to catch the show on the Pentagon channel.

Filed Under: dance, george washington, holiday, house, kennedy center, King George, Meghan Welsh, Opera House, operahouse, princegeorge, rat, television, the kennedy center, the nutcracker, The Washington, the washington ballet, theater, theatre, thepuppetco, warner theater, washington, washington ballet, Washington D, washingtond,