Critic’s Picks: Dance

THE NUTCRACKER After 17 years with the same sets and costumes, Boston Ballet is getting a new “Nutcracker” from its artistic director, Mikko Nissinen, who’s moving the action back in time a bit, to the 1820s, and hoping to create a simpler, more natural holiday show. The sets and costumes are by Robert Perdziola. Nov. 23-Dec. 30. $35-$172. Boston Opera House, Boston. 617-695-6955, www.bostonballet.org