“The Nutcracker” takes the stage Dec. 9-10 at the Adler Theatre in Davenport. Photo: Ballet Quad Cities
Nothing says “Christmas” quite like a Tchaikovsky score and some dancing mice. Watch the Mouse King duke it out with Nutcracker Prince in any of the season’s “Nutcracker” productions, coming direct from a Victorian kid’s dreams to an Iowa stage near you.
Dec. 7-10: Ballet Des Moines presents the classic fairy tale with a few modern updates, including twirling betta fish and prancing deer, all in the gilded splendor of Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.
Dec. 8-9: Iowa Dance Theatre performs enchanted waltzes on the Des Moines Civic Center stage, choreographed and directed by a team of dance professionals from around Central Iowa.
Dec. 8-9: Siouxland Civic Dance Association’s production features a local cast of more than 100 area actors and dancers at the jewel-box Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City.
Dec. 9-10: Stephens Auditorium stages its 42nd annual “Nutcracker” in Ames with artistic direction by Iowa Youth Ballet’s Robert Thomas and choreography by Robert and the late Miyoko Thomas.
Dec. 9-10: Ballet Quad Cities returns to the Adler Theatre in Davenport, featuring live music from Orchestra Iowa.