Nutcracker in October?

The most performed ballet in the world has got to be The Nutcracker. Every December balletomanes and a lot of people whose ballet “experience” is limited to just this one old chestnut, fill theaters around the globe. Most professional companies, including the top ones, do it year after year and nearly every ballet school puts one on too. And why not? It’s filled with Tchaikovsky’s glorious music and tells a fairy tale that will please the child in everyone. Santa Barbara Festival Ballet is getting an early start heading toward their 42nd annual lavish production (always with an orchestra) and here are a few of the dancers who will appear this December.