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[Guardian]

[img]http://hits.guardian.co.uk/b/ss/guardiangu-feeds/1/H.20.3/5390?ns=guardian&pageName=Christmas+2009+going+out+guide%3A+dance%3AArticle%3A1305141&ch=Stage&c3=Guardian&c4=Dance%2CStage%2CChristmas+%28Life+and+style%29%2CLife+and+style%2CFamily+%28Life+and+style%29%2CCulture+section&c6=Judith+Mackrell&c7=09-Nov-16&c8=1305141&c9=Article&c10=&c11=Stage&c13=&c25=&c30=content&h2=GU%2FStage%2FDance[/img]Our dance critic's guide to the best performances to see this Christmas

Swan Lake

Matthew Bourne's reinvention of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake is a deserved seasonal staple. Its slick comedy is touched with moments of genius in the portrayal of a lonely prince and his doomed love for the sexiest of shape-shifting birds. Sadler's Wells, London EC1 (0844 412 4300), from 10 December to 24 January.

Northern Ballet Theatre: Peter Pan

Put classical dancers in flying harnesses and they can gracefully outsoar the casts of most pantos. The aerial stunts in David Nixon's Northern Ballet Theatre version, along with the swashbuckling swordplay, make this a reliable family choice. Grand Theatre, Leeds (0844 848 2701), from  17-27 December.

Off Kilter

A showcase of Scotland's eclectic dance culture, from hip-hop to ballet to jigs. Contributing choreographers include Mark Morris and Janet Smith. Festival Theatre, Edinburgh (0131-529 6000), 29 December to 2 January. Then touring.

The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker

Peter Wright's staging, pictured, is still the most beguilingly traditional – and its opulent design and elegant choreography are given an added poignancy by the suggestion that little Clara is on the brink of young love. Royal Opera House, London WC2  (020-7304 4000), from 26 November to 1 January.

English National Ballet: The Snow Queen

Michael Corder's retelling of  the Andersen tale lacks a splinter of ice in its heart, but the inventive choreography flows beautifully, making full use of the ballet's fine Prokofiev score. Coliseum, London WC2 (0871 911 0200), from 8-17 January.

Scottish Ballet: The Nutcracker

Ashley Page's dark,  glossy rewrite of the classic Tchaikovsky Christmas ballet sets the action in ^­ Weimar Germany, allowing for lots of Freudian subtext and some wickedly sharp costumes. Theatre Royal, Glasgow (0870 060 6647), from 12-31 December, and Festival Theatre, Edinburgh (0131-529 6000), from 6-9 January.

• Dance
• Christmas
• Family

[img]http://ads.guardian.co.uk/image.ng/richmedia=yes&site=Theatre&spacedesc=rss&system=rss&transactionID=12584926315788362149053756557340[/img]Judith Mackrell
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