It is that time of the year again – Nutcracker time! Have some very happy holidays and see you in 2024!

Before we get into the Nutcrackers, we wanted to let you know about the first DanceHouse show of 2024! On January 24 -27, the corporeal glory of bodies, full of sweat, heat and power, forms the meat of The Mirror, the newest work from Gravity and Other Myths. The Australian company more than lives up to its title, suspending the laws of physics in order to generate a new kind of dance, infused with elements of circus, cabaret, and a light spanking of kink. Offering much more than a metaphorical peek behind the curtain, The Mirror strips bare the architecture of performance itself. From the grunts, shouts and onstage banter to the price paid for pushing the body to its absolute limit, this is heart-in-your-throat territory, leavened with a hefty dose of humour and some more outré elements from torch songs to sexy underpants. Scaling the heights of elegance before descending into near-Exorcist contortions, The Mirror loops in the audience for some gleeful conspiring, backstage access and a wee bit of interactivity. At the Vancouver Playhouse, 8 pm. Tix

Thursday-Sunday, December 14-17 Join Goh Ballet in their annual production of The Nutcracker and experience Clara’s dream come to life as she embarks on a magical journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets where she is greeted by the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy. An unforgettable adventure awaits as her gallant Nutcracker battles the evil Mouse King and his army of mischievous mice. This heart-warming production is sure to delight audiences of all ages with more than 200 dancers, actors, gymnasts, glittering costumes, dramatic sets and valuable lessons – all danced to Tchaikovsky’s memorable score performed live by members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. At the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday matinee 2 pm. Tix

Also Thursday-Sunday, December 14-17, if you are looking for a slightly different experience, check out Arts Umbrella Dance Company’s modern and engaging twist on Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, bringing together a flavoursome assortment of dance styles for an extra-special holiday treat. At the Vancouver Playhouse, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday matinee 2 pm. Tix

If you are not in Vancouver, you can experience the magic of the Royal City Youth Ballet’s full length The Nutcracker, featuring a cast of 100+ dancers, under the direction of Camilia Fishwick-Kellog, at the Massy Theatre in New Westminster. Performing to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music, this traditional ballet has beautiful sets designed by Jean Claude Olivier and extravagant, colourful costumes by Chris Sinosich. There are magical soldiers, mice, a Sugar Plum fairy and a growing Christmas tree, all danced to the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker score. With snowflakes, Snow King and Queen, Waltz of the Flowers, Arabian, Spanish and other favourites. At the Massy Theatre, 1 pm and 4:30 pm. Tix