California Nutcrackers > next   The Nutcracker annual ballet performance produced by  San Jose Ballet offers one of the finest displays of costumes, stage lighting, effects, and dance in the US.   San Jose Ballet offers stunning ballet performances and presentations throughout the year but there's one special event that simply resonates in the minds of those seeking a holiday treat. The Nutcracker ballet is the most recognized event the San Jose Ballet produces, and with good reason. The costumes, stage sets, special effects, lighting and caliber of talent are the best.   A favorite holiday celebration in the US (and especially in the Bay Area,) San Jose Ballet's Nutcracker is recognized as one of the most entertaining versions in the world.  With a full orchestra, stunning lobby decorations, and carolers and characters from the show meeting and greeting guests before every performance, there's a touch of magic for audiences, who attend this production.   The international cast of dancers are some of the finest performers in the world today, with many talents seeking admission into this prestigious organization, thanks to its all-star cast of directors, instructors and choreographers. Having spent most of their lives dedicated to the art of ballet, you'll be amazed to see them on stage in beautiful, colorful costumes, and watch special effects that create masterful illusions.  For those who think ballet is boring, the San Jose Nutcracker steps outside the box to provide entertainment that energizes audiences.   California offers numerous productions of The Nutcracker, but few can rival this event with choreography from the esteemed Dennis Nahat; music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky and conductor Dwight Oltman; costumes and scenery by David Guthrie; and lighting by Kenneth Keith.   Dennis Nahat, the choreographer for San Jose Ballet, was awarded a full scholarship in dance and minored in music at the Juilliard School of Music, while training under the guidance of Martha Hill, Martha Graham, José Limón and many renown ballet greats. His list of credits include performances or choreography with American Ballet Theatre, Atlanta Ballet, Hartford Ballet, The Royal Swedish Ballet, The London Festival Ballet, and Ballet Nuevo Mundo de Caracas.   As co-founder of the School of Cleveland Ballet and Cleveland Ballet, he created the co-venture between San Jose, California and Cleveland, Ohio, known as San Jose Cleveland Ballet. Now Artistic/Executive Director of the Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley, he has created 105 ballets, and is known for BLUE SUEDE SHOES, set to songs of Elvis Presley and seen nationwide on PBS.   It is no surprise when you watch the San Jose Nutcracker to learn that there's a spark of genius behind this production. Taking traditional ballet and raising the bar, Nahat knows how to make the dancers and performances shine. Wearing many hats, he assesses the skills of his talents, and is able to create the stage settings needed to show off their capabilities. Lighting, music and effects are key in not just the choreography, but how it interplays with the entire body of work.  In the 2005-2006 Season, Nahat presented two world-premiere ballets: The Firebird & Cinema Soundtracks.   If you can't catch The Nutcracker, a full schedule of fantastic ballets is offered throughout the year. See: balletsanjose.org   Location: San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden,  San Jose, CA.   Tickets:(408) 288-2800   Schedule: The Nutcracker normally has a two-week performance schedule and generally begins around the second week in December. (check web site for current information). balletsanjose.org   Getting there: San Jose is one of the easiest cities to travel to for a ballet performance. San Jose International Airport is close to everything, and shuttle or a rail service goes directly to hotels near the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, located in downtown San Jose.   Where to stay: Numerous hotels allow guests to stay near the performing arts venue. Some of our favorites include: Marriott San Jose and The  Saint Claire.   Having fun: When visiting and attending the San Jose Ballet's Nutcracker performance, be sure to take in San Jose Ice and the museums, shops and restaurants that surround you in downtown San Jose. You can walk to all of them.     calsite