Don’t be that person who’s like, ‘Aw nuts, I missed the Nutcracker!’

Good news, slowpokes; there are still tickets left for The Nutcracker. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet production, co-presented with Ballet BC, is in town for five performances, from Dec. 8-11 (matinee only on the 11th) at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (650 Hamilton St.).

For many dance fans, and folks who just plain love a Christmas-y spectacle, RWB’s Nutcracker is a holiday tradition. Besides the Tchaikovsky score, the beautiful dancing and gorgeous costumes, the ballet had been Canadian-ized to include a snowy pond hockey game and a battle on Parliament Hill.

Of course, there’s also the story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they encounter toy soldiers, dancing mice, a mischievous bear, and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Besides principal dancers from the RWB, one of the country’s most acclaimed companies, the production includes a cast of over 70 aspiring young dancers from dance schools across the Lower Mainland.

“This presentation also gives us (Ballet BC) a chance to support the local dance community and marks the first opportunity for these young dancers to perform with a professional ballet company,” BC Ballet Artistic Director Emily Molnar is quoted as saying in a press release.

Single tickets to Nutcracker range from $35 to $98.50. Family Packs (2 adults, 2 children) range from $229 – $300. Call 1-855-985-2787 (855-985-ARTS) or visit ticketmaster.ca for tickets.