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• Photo courtesy of North Coast Dance

A magical holiday North Coast tradition comes to life this weekend when North Coast Dance's The Nutcracker leaps onto the stage at Arkley Center for the Performing Arts Friday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15 at 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. ($15, $25, $35). The holiday ballet features a talented cast of 100 dancers aged 6 to 72 doing their best jetés in vibrant costumes, in a majestic venue, to some of the most beloved holiday music of all time. Travel with Clara to the Land of the Sweets where a magical world abounds. Tickets are available at www.northcoastdance.org or by calling 442-7779.

Another favorite Christmas classic graces the stage with Trillium Dance Studios' Twas the Night Before Christmas, happening Saturday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. in the Eureka High School Auditorium ($15-$10). This holiday ballet, under the artistic direction of Erin McKeever, is inspired by Clement C. Moore's classic poem and is narrated by Kevin Sharkey, featuring solo artists Kyleigh Carlson, Austin Silavong, Allie Phinney and Haylee Wolf. Tickets available at the door or by calling 822-8408 or visiting www.trilliumdance.com.