Visions Of Sugar Plums Dance in Jose Mateo's THE NUTCRACKER

Now in its 33rd season, José Mateo Ballet Theatre presents its treasured production of The Nutcracker at two of Boston's finest theatres this holiday season. The Company returns to The Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston's Theatre District (Nov.30-December 9) and The Strand Theatre in Dorchester (Dec.14-23).

Both theaters provide the perfect venue for a recently refreshed version of Mateo's 31st annual production of the holiday extravaganza featuring wondrous sets and costumes newly developed by noted scenic designer Laura C. McPherson. Artistic Director José Mateo honors the tradition of The Nutcracker while giving new life to Clara's dream world with a fresh innovative approach to the iconic holiday classic featuring festive sets, sumptuous costumes, and spectacular dancing. Over 200 children, ages 6-18 from throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire, join Ballet Theatre's skilled company dancers as Clara, Party Children, Mice, Soldiers, Polichinelles, Cherubs, and Angels.

It is the only professional Nutcracker production in the area to hold open auditions for students outside of its own school. The lead child role of Clara is danced this season by three talented young dancers rotating the role in all venues:Alexandra Kellie (14) from Arlington, Kennedy Luce-Burke (13) from Winchester, and Delia Wada-Gill (17) from Lexington. JMBT's Dorchester Studio: In Dorchester Beyond The NutcrackerIn keeping with its long-term vision to provide dance opportunities to all in the Boston area, JMBT's Young Dancers Program is now in its fourth year at its recently launched Dorchester Studio at the St. Mary's Episcopal Church at 14 Cushing Avenue.

Due to the success of the Dorchester studio, this year's Nutcracker has more children from the Greater Dorchester area in the production than ever before with over 30 local dancers! With classes for children ages 3-9, the Dorchester Studio will grow in future years to offer classes for students of all ages. Classes are open to boys and girls of all backgrounds. No dance experience necessary. http://www.ballettheatre.org/young-dancers-program-dorchester/

Sat. Dec. 1 at 2:00 & 7:00 pm
Sun. Dec. 2 at 1:30 & 5:00 pmFri. Dec. 7 at 7:30 pm
Sat. Dec. 8 at 2:00 & 7:00 pm
Sun. Dec. 9 at 1:30 & 5:00 pm
Sat. Dec. 15 at 2:00 & 7:00 pm
Sun. Dec. 16 at 1:30 & 5:00 pmFri. Dec. 21 at 7:30 pm
Sat. Dec. 22 at 2:00 & 7:00 pm
Sun. Dec. 23 at 1:30 & 5:00 pm

Tickets for both theaters: $80, $57, $45, $25 The Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St., BostonCall (617) 824-8000, https://cutlermajestic.org/Online/default.asp Fri. Nov. 30 at 7:30 pm

The Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Road, DorchesterCall (617) 354-7467https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3582296Fri. Dec. 14 at 7:30 pm

Founded in 1986, José Mateo Ballet Theatre is one of America 's leading producers of new ballets, the area's most innovative ballet school, and the creator of Dance for World Community, an initiative that builds community by expanding the role of dance in our culture.

Over the past 30+ years Cuban-born Founder/Artistic Director José Mateo has developed his unique vision to create a new model for an inclusive and socially responsible ballet organization that engages today's diverse audiences. THE COMPANY, praised by local and national critics and hailed by Boston Magazine as "Best of Boston Dance Troupe 2018", has a long history of presenting Mateo's highly acclaimed works at its Sanctuary Theatre in its home at Old Cambridge Baptist Church in Harvard Square. Its presentation of Mateo's treasured version of The Nutcracker at The Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston 's Theatre District and The Strand Theatre in Dorchester offers an intimate, dance-focused, and affordable holiday experience.

THE SCHOOL offers an innovative model for a high-quality academy with a humanistic approach to ballet training that fosters diversity and inclusion at both its Cambridge campus and new Dorchester Studio.

The Young Dancers Program provides expert training for students ages 3-18 and the Open Class Program for Adults offers Introduction to Ballet courses and daily drop-in classes for all levels. DANCE FOR WORLD makes dance accessible to thousands of children, families, and new audiences through several year-round outreach programs and its annual Dance for World Community Festival in June, a week-long indoor/outdoor festival in Harvard Square.