URBAN NUTCRACKER With music that alternates between the traditional Tchaikovsky score and Duke Ellington’s jazz suite, Tony Williams’s popular multicultural version of the E.T.A. Hoffmann tale puts a contemporary urban spin on the choreography, blending ballet with elements of tap, hip-hop, swing, flamenco, step, and jazz. The professional cast includes “So You Think You Can Dance” krumper Russell Ferguson and tap whiz Khalid Hill. Dec. 6-22, $25-$85. John Hancock Hall. 888-596-1027, www.backbayeventscenter.com
GREEN STREET STUDIOS PERFORMANCE FUND-RAISER The venerable dance center continues its series of benefits to raise money for a new space with this wide-ranging showcase featuring some of the most dedicated artists who call the studios home, including Marcus Schulkind, Luminarium Dance, Jody Weber, Daniel McCusker, and Kieran Jordan. Dec. 6-7, $20-$35. Green Street Studios, Cambridge. 617-864-3191, www.greenstreetstudios.org
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NOT! THE NUTCRACKER This annual production by the Jeannette Neill Dance Studio expresses the spirit of the season with a twist, featuring dance styles ranging from modern to jazz and hip-hop. Hyperbole Dance takes the special guest slot. Dec. 6-7, $20 presale, $25 at the door. Boston University’s Tsai Performance Center.
617-523-1355, www.jndance.com
THE NUTCRACKER José Mateo Ballet Theatre brings its intimate yet colorful production to its home theater for the next two weekends. Mateo’s choreography is lovely, the story is streamlined, and there are lots of adorable children in the cast. Dec. 5-15, $38-
$50. Sanctuary Theatre, Cambridge. 617-354-7467, www.ballet
theatre.org
KAREN CAMPBELL
Karen Campbell can be reached at karencampbell4@rcn.com.