Dance

International Ballet Theatre: Nutcracker With choreography by Artistic Director Vera Altunina and hand-crafted sets and costumes from Russia. Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue, 800-838-3006, intballetacademy.org. $25–$42. Opens Dec. 13. 7:30 p.m. Thurs.–Fri., 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., plus 2 p.m. Mon., Dec. 23. Ends Dec. 23.

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Pacific Northwest Ballet: Nutcracker Originally it took some convincing to get Maurice Sendak to commit to designing a new production of Nutcracker for Pacific Northwest Ballet—a work he first called “a snoozer, a holiday turkey.” But when then–artistic director Kent Stowell explained that he wanted to go back to E.T.A. Hoffmann’s original story, which is as menacing as it is sweet, Sendak was hooked. This year the company celebrates the 30th anniversary of its production, in which the avuncular godfather Drosselmeier from Act 1 transforms into a slightly sinister Pasha in Act 2, and Sendak’s mice skitter throughout. SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, 441-2424. $22–$140. Runs Fri.–Sun. to start, then practically daily starting Dec. 18; see pnb.org for exact schedule. Ends Dec. 29.

Next Fest NW Performance Spotlighting the latest in the region’s dance scene. Velocity Dance Center, 1621 12th Ave., velocitydancecenter.org. $12–$18. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 13–Sun., Dec. 15.

Dance Fremont It’s not another Nutcracker, but The Steadfast Tin Soldier is also about an anthropomorphized toy-man. Shorecrest Performing Arts Center, 15343 25th Ave. N.E., 800-838-3006, dancefremont.com. $15–$18. 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 14, 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 15.

DASSdance: Mini-Nutcracker A bit of Nutcracker, a continental breakfast, a visit from Santa, and more! Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave., 800-838-3006, dassdance.org. $15–$20. 11 a.m. Sat., Dec. 14, Sun., Dec. 15, Sat., Dec. 21.

Royal Opera House: Nutcracker Peter Wright’s production from Covent Garden. See fathomevents.com for participating theaters. 7 p.m. Tues., Dec. 17.