For some people it's not the holidays without a trip to some version of 'The Nutcracker', usually a ballet version. If those people are in Toronto then there's a good chance that it will be the National Ballet of Canada version of The Nutcracker.

I am not one of these people. In fact, I believe that the last time I saw a version of The Nutcracker Ballet I was somewhere in the range of 5 years old, give or take a few years. As you might imagine, a few things have changed in the last 25 years, although, admittedly I don't remember much about 25 years ago, but I promise that this was WAY cooler.

Now, it's still a ballet, there still isn't dialogue, there is still lots of dancing, but there is also a beautiful puppet horse that almost looks real, costumes that take your breath away, and scenery that you can gorge yourself on.

When I first saw the ballet, low these many years ago, I have to admit, I found it pretty boring. I guess I didn't have that awe of the ballet that so many little kids seem to have. But this one, this one I would have enjoyed. It seems like the National Ballet has realized that they are entertaining a heck of a lot of kids with this one, so it's well suited to folks with short attention spans, like me, and small children.

The dancing was, as expected, very impressive. The kids were also impressive, with the added bonus of being very cute. Here's the thing, it doesn't have to be before Christmas to enjoy it, so if you haven't seen it yet you still have a chance. It's on until Sunday December 30.

Details
- The Nutcracker by the National Ballet until Sunday December 30 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
- Ticket prices range from $41 - $110 for adults and $31 - $99 for children - Rush tickets are available for $30 for each performance.

Photo of Piotr Stanczyk and Artists of the Ballet in The Nutcracker by Bruce Zinger