Dancing Thru the Snow: Leap into the holidays with these seasonal dance performances

While Island Moving Company is packing away its Nutcracker at Rosecliff in Newport, the rest of New England is just beginning to celebrate the magic of Christmas.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Providence Ballet Theatre’s one-night-only holiday performance, returns. The production is inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem, and professional dancers, along with a cast of local children, create a fun-filled performance for all ages. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas runs Dec 14 at 7pm at The Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, Roberts Hall, Rhode Island College.

New Bedford Ballet will perform its annual production of A New England Nutcracker. Journey back to the 1850s, as this favorite holiday story is reimagined through New Bedford’s historic whaling era, and prepare for the “City That Lit the World” to light up your holiday season. This original adaptation of the traditional Nutcracker ballet, created by Rebecca Waskiel-Marchesseault, director of the New Bedford Ballet, features choreography by Ms. Waskiel-Marchesseault, Erin Petitjean Allen and Eugenia Zinovieva. The performance takes place in New Bedford Ballet’s studio, offering an intimate environment charged with the dancers’ energy. This simple version with narration is engaging for children, and the hour-long performance is perfect for anyone juggling the many events that fill the holiday season. A New England Nutcracker takes place through December 9 at the NBB Community Theatre, 2343 Purchase St, New Bedford. Tickets are limited and sell quickly; reserve by contacting the New Bedford Ballet at 508-993-1387.

Rounding out the holidays is Festival Ballet Providence’s classic rendition of The Nutcracker. See principal dancers Eugenia Zinovieva and Kirsten Evans dance the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy. The production features more than 50 young dancers from around the state. The newest addition to the production was just auditioned on December 2. Archie the dog, known and loved by many, retired this year, and Festival Ballet held open auditions to replace him. FBP’s The Nutcracker takes place Dec 21 – 24 at the Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St, PVD.