The Nutcracker

In an interview with The Daily Californian, Jeraldine Mendoza and Dylan Gutierrez, two company artists in The Joffrey Ballet and romantic partners outside of it, exalt the pathos of dance.

The grand spectacle of “The Nutcracker” — of the glittering costumes, lavish production design, impossibly difficult yet effortlessly executed movements — kindles a rare sense of pathos. One that lingers long after the intermission and settles in on the drive along the Bay Bridge.

Since its founding in 1996, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra has made a name for itself through symphonic rock renditions of Christmas classics. (Indeed, there are far too few orchestras so ready to rock.) The concert welcomed the holiday season with flashing neon lasers and jaw-dropping pyrotechnics.

“It’s so easy to just want to hibernate and just say wake me up when it’s over,” Tweeddale said. “But we refuse to do that. We will not do that.” 

For “Nutcracker,” the dazzling spectacle and expert dancing are what have been keeping lovers of the arts coming back year after year.  

The Toast Talk is a quirky tradition of the Summer Residency Lab at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre — everyone gathers together, eats toast and talks.

With a perfect combination of old favorites and brand new works, “The Christmas Ballet” is a delightful holiday tradition to come back to year after year.

This twist on the traditional “The Nutcracker” was a delight to both new fans of dance and those who see this Christmas ballet annually.