San Jose dance companies stay on point with ‘Nutcracker’ productions

There are a number of reasons why the holiday ballet “The Nutcracker” is a tradition all over the world. Much of that begins with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, which makes its way into every aspect of December living–films, commercials and transpositions that put its music into every genre imaginable.

But while popular access is something “The Nutcracker” never struggles with, there’s no denying the power of its purest form, in a theater as young Clara’s dreams and imagination usher in the battle between toy soldiers and an army of mice. 

Many cities stage a production of the 1892 classic ballet, and the South Bay offers up two large-scale productions in the city’s grandest houses, both beginning on Dec. 13. San Jose Dance Theatre, along with the Cambrian Symphony, presents its 60th anniversary production at the Center for Performing Arts through Dec. 21. 

Just down the street, New Ballet, accompanied by Symphony San Jose, set themselves at the historic California Theatre for “The San Jose Nutcracker,” their ninth annual production of the ballet, through Dec. 23.

While ballet may not be everyone’s forte, “The Nutcracker” has its own set of rules. Productions worldwide are familial and generational traditions, and based on the number of years San Jose Dance Theatre’s version has been a part of the region, staying power is a cause for celebration. 

That power is rooted deeply in San Jose Dance Theatre Executive Director Elizabeth Sweeney’s personal history. The Gilroy native’s first production of the ballet was with the company when she was 8. Over those many years, she saw clearly why the holiday tradition is so beloved for ballet and non-ballet fans alike.

“‘The Nutcracker’ is about Christmas, and you’re following Clara on her journey,” said Sweeney, who noted her company’s version is the second-longest-running production in California. “You don’t have to know a lot about ballet steps or the technique that’s being performed to enjoy the music, the costumes and everything else that goes on with it. You can still walk away feeling like, ‘Okay, it may not be my thing but I think I get this one.’”

The story centers around the young Clara, who receives a special Christmas Eve present of a nutcracker doll from her godfather. As she sets out to sleep, the doll comes to life in her dreams to battle the Mouse King, and upon the battle’s conclusion, the nutcracker turns into a prince and invites Clara on a fantastical journey. Memorable characters such as the Snow King and Queen await, along Dancing Snowflakes and a signature pas de deux. The journey ultimately continues on a cloud to the Kingdom of Sweets. 

While San Jose Dance Theatre will be laying out its traditional classic version, New Ballet has leaned towards a more South Bay-centric setting, swapping the niveous beauty of Germany for turn-of-the-century San Jose.

New Ballet’s artistic director, executive director and founder Dalia Rawson says the sheer volume of “The Nutcracker” and its presence in a classical dancer’s life makes it unique. One would have a very hard time studying ballet if there was any resistance to this particular composition, since it is easily the most performed ballet anywhere.

“It’s such a huge part of every dancer’s career and experience,” said Swenson, who began her professional dance career right out of high school. “If I add it all up, when I was dancing professionally, we did as many as 60 performances a year of ‘The Nutcracker,’ and the rest of the season would maybe be 40 performances. So every single year I did more total ‘Nutcracker’ shows than anything else, and there’s no other ballet we do every year.”

San Jose Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director Nicole Haskins is thrilled to both shape this year’s production with her professional training lens and enjoy the ride of her very first “Nutcracker” with the company, having begun her work in San Jose in January.

For Haskins, the glitter of “The Nutcracker” tradition stems from Tchaikovsky’s lush, mellifluous score that informs the saga of Clara.

“As a choreographer, I feel like as long as you don’t get in the way of really beautiful music, you’re kind of almost home free already,” Haskins said. “What I’ve always loved about the Nutcracker when I was a little girl and first exposed to it is the story of Clara (is that) it’s about someone being brave and taking risks when they don’t know what the outcome is like. It’s kind of a crazy story when you think about it, and she’s so open and generous. The original story is that it’s a very ugly doll, and she still thinks it deserves to be cared for.”

For tickets to the San Jose Dance Theatre’s “Nutcracker,” visit https://www.sanjose.org/events/nutcracker-san-jose-dance-theatre.

Tickets to the New Ballet’s “San Jose Nutcracker” are $31.50-$126.50 at 408-286-2600 or www.symphonysanjose.org. Tickets for “My Very First Nutcracker,” a one-act version of the ballet for younger audiences, are $26.50-$106.50. Ages 1 and up require a ticket.

David John Chávez is chair of the American Theatre Critics/Journalists Association and a two-time juror for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (‘22-‘23); @davidjchavez.bsky.social.