Tacoma City Ballet’s “Nutcracker”

Tacoma City Ballet performs its annual “Nutcracker” with Pantages sets, the Northwest Sinfonietta orchestra and original Russian choreography. 3 p.m. Dec. 10, 11, 17, 18; 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 21. $19-$60. Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, Tacoma. 253-591-5894, www.broadwaycenter.org

Rich Wetzel’s big band holiday jazz

Get your holiday groove on with big band Christmas jazz played by Rich Wetzel’s Groovin’ Higher Orchestra this weekend – all the favorites, with a swing. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10. Tacoma Community College building 2, 6501 S. 19^th St., Tacoma. 800-838-3006, www.brownpapertickets.com

Hilltop Artists’ in Residence holiday glass …

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It’s “Nutcracker” season, and there are plenty of varieties to choose from in the South Sound, quite apart from Pacific Ballet Northwest’s extravaganza in Seattle. Some have already gone, like Dance Theatre Northwest last weekend. But if you’re looking for a good dose of sugar plums and snowflakes, here’s the low-down on the rest.

Ballet Northwest

This is the Olympia classic, performed by over 70 dancers in a huge range of ages with all the trappings in the Washington Center.

7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18; 2 p.m. Dec. …

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Tired of pumpkins? Want to avoid the candy crash? If you’re looking for something a little different to do with the kids this Halloween, check out Tacoma City Ballet. The downtown dance studio is holding its annual production of “The Haunted Theatre” this weekend and next, and the show features a spooky backstage tour of the grandly historic 6th Avenue building and themed “Eerie Dances” by the TCB company. There’ll be treats as well, and is aimed at all ages.

“The Haunted Theatre” runs 7 p.m. Oct. 22 and 29, 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Oct. 23 …

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Tacoma City Ballet’s “Fingers and Toes”

In collaboration with guitarist Neil Anderssen’s band Malibu Manouche, Tacoma City Ballet’s new performance “Fingers and Toes” choreographs to the band’s new album of surf-toned jazz. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27. $10. Jan Collum ballroom, Merlino Building, 508 S. 6^th Ave., Tacoma. 253-272-4219, www.tacomacityballet.com

Barefoot Dance Film Night

A casual evening of short dance-based art films by local artists, hosted by the Barefoot Collective. 8 p.m. March 1. $5, hot drinks, popcorn and cushions provided. Studio B, Tacoma City Ballet, Merlino Building, 508 S. 6^th Ave., Tacoma. 253-272-4219, www.barefootcollective.org

Showtime at the D.A.S.H. center

In …

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Centerstage Theatre does English panto in “Jack”

Make the trek to Dash Point’s Knutzen Theatre, and you’ll be rewarded with two hours of silly slapstick, funny songs and groanable jokes in Centerstage’s annual pantomime, “Jack and the Beanstalk.” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 20. $25/$20/$10. Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way. 253-661-1444, www.centerstagetheatre.com

 It’s back: Tacoma City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

There are many “Nutcrackers” around town, but this one combines the original Petipa choreography, the Tchaikovsky score played live by the Northwest Sinfonietta, and the glory of the huge …

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Well, I was busy this weekend. Apart from an illuminating concert from the Northwest Sinfonietta (to find out just what difference a conductor makes, go here for the review) I also went along to the Barefoot Collective‘s latest evening show at the Merlino Arts Center. The review’s here, but I just have to say that seeing what Barefoot and Tacoma City Ballet are doing in that building to create a multi-discipline, collaborative arts center is inspiring. The two very different dance companies share rehearsal space, collaborate on projects, join each other in class and …

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Visit the “Haunted Theater” at Tacoma City Ballet

Dancers from TCB present haunted backstage tours and eight “eerie ballets” at the Merlino Building for Halloween. Treat bags given; suitable for all ages. 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30, 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5:40 p.m. Oct. 31. $5 at door. 253-272-4219, www.tacomacityballet.com

 Kids’ concerts kick off with Tacoma Philharmonic

Finally, a classical music series for kids in Tacoma! Lisa and Linda of “Let Your Music Shine” will clap and sing symphonic classics with the under-eight set, with a costume contest also.10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Oct. 31. $5. Theatre …

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