From traditional tutus to sexy burlesque, find your perfect Minnesota 'Nutcracker'

Time to brush off your sugarplums and get into the holiday spirit with the annual rush of "Nutcracker" productions, coming soon to a dance hall near you. Based on the original story by E.T.A. Hoffman, Tchaikovsky's classic score offers endless opportunities for celebratory dancing and elaborate dreamscapes. No wonder it's in such heavy rotation on stages across North America. Here in the Twin Cities area, audiences enjoy a healthy mix of "Nutcracker" options. Whether you're more inclined toward hip-hop or ballet, kid-friendly or risqué, there's bound to be a show for you.

By: Continental Ballet.

What it's like: A kinder, friendlier "Nutcracker," without the battle scene. Instead, the mice from the traditional story engage in a playful encounter.

Who's it for: Fans of a more traditional version, especially families and folks who feel there's enough violence in the world.

When: Dec. 3-11, Bloomington Center for the Arts, Bloomington.

Tickets: $13-$25, continentalballet.com.

By: Metropolitan Ballet.

Who's it for: People who hate canned music. Expect a full, lush sound courtesy of the Kenwood Symphony Orchestra.

When: Dec. 17-18, Lindbergh Center Auditorium (next to Hopkins High School).

Tickets: $29-$59; metroballet.org.

By: Twin Cities Ballet.

What's it like: The tale gets a Twin Cities spin, with Clara's story featuring local landmarks including Rice Park, Summit Avenue and the banks of the Mississippi River.

When: Dec. 9-11, Ames Center, Burnsville.

Tickets: $18-$36; twincitiesballet.org.

By: St. Paul Ballet.

What's it like: The St. Paul Ballet moves its version from Macalester College to the O'Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University this year. Choreographed by artistic director Zoé Emilie Henrot, this whimsical version is sure to shine on the bigger stage.

Who's it for: Younger audiences, with its shorter length and focus on Clara's journey from adolescence to adulthood.

Tickets: $19-$32; oshag.stkate.edu.

By: James Sewell Ballet.

What's it like: Celebrated choreographer Myron Johnson teams up with James Sewell Ballet for an irreverent mashup of hip-hop, R&B and Christmas carols, plus a life-size Barbie doll.

Who's it for: Audiences that like a little sass and glitter with their ballet.

When: Dec. 2-18 (racier versions Dec. 9, 10, 15 and 17), Cowles Center, Mpls.

By: Minnesota Dance Theatre.

What's it like: With more than 150 dancers, artists and production professionals, including a 44-piece orchestra led by Philip Brunelle, "Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy" continues its reign as the "Nutcracker" gold standard, beloved by Minnesota audiences since the 1960s.

Who's it for: Those who want the whole shebang — elaborate costumes and sets, fantastic dancers and wonderful music performed live.

When: Dec. 16-23, State Theatre, Mpls.

Tickets: $20-$75; mndance.org.

What's it like: A mix of students and professionals offers a high-energy spectacle at the O'Shaughnessy.

Who's it for: Anyone who loves seeing cute children dance.

When: Dec. 16-18, the O'Shaughnessy, St. Paul.

Tickets: $18-$44; oshag.stkate.edu.

By: Lily Verlaine and Nadine DuBois.

Who's it for: Adults seeking a sexy, fun night out.

When: Dec. 22-Jan. 1, the Lab Theater, Mpls.

Tickets: $35-$50; thelabtheater.org.

By: Minnesota Dance Collaborative.

What's it like: Storytellers Shelli Manzoline and Darrin Shaughnessy share the story of Marie, a young dancer who must find new holiday traditions as old ones drop away.

When: Dec. 15-18, Southern Theater, Mpls.

Tickets: $15-$35; southerntheater.org.

By: Academy of Russian Ballet.

What's it like: Get the full Russian experience with this version, adapted from the original choreography by Marius Petipa. The show is performed by the students of Svetlana Gavrilova and Kirill Bak, both trained in Russia.

Who's it for: If you're looking for an "authentic" experience, this production fits the bill. With an ensemble of dancers trained in the Russian style of ballet, it's easy to imagine what audiences saw when "The Nutcracker" premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg in December 1892.

Tickets: $20-$32; academyofrussianballet.com.

Sheila Regan is a Minneapolis arts writer.