Colorado Friends of Cajun/Zydeco Music and Dance Monthly Dance, Dec. 21 (normally fourth Sunday), featuring the Zydematics and Bon Tee Cajun Band. Doors open 1p.m., complimentary dance lesson at 1:30p.m., dance 2:15-5:15p.m. $7 members, $8 guests. Info: www.cfcz.org.
Ballet Ariel, at the Cleo Parker Robinson Theater, 119 Park Ave. West, presents: The Nutcracker, with contemporary flair incorporating flamenco, belly dance and karate, directed by company director Ilena Norton and rehearsal director Patricia Renszetti. Four performances: Sun., Dec. 7, 3p.m.; Sat., Dec. 13, 3 & 8p.m.; Sun., Dec. 14, 3p.m. Tickets: 303-282-9828, www.balletariel.org.
The Classical Dance Arts Foundation, at Newman Center for the Performing Arts at DU, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., presents: International Youth Ballet’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, featuring local dancers with guest artists Cristian LaVerde Koenig (formerly with National Ballet of Cuba) and Andrew Thompson (formerly with Colorado Ballet). Final performance Sat., Dec. 6, 12:30p.m. Tickets at the Box Office or Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com or 303-357-2787). Info: 303-871-7720, opt. 2.
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, at the Byron Theatre, Newman Center for the Performing Arts, at DU, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., presents: Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum, performing the world’s diverse holiday celebrations through dance, live music and spoken word. Performances Fri. & Sat. 7:30p.m., and Sat. & Sun., 2p.m., Dec. 6-21. Info: www.cleoparkerdance.org.
Tickets: 303-871-7720; Newman Center Box Office (University & Iliff); Ritchie Center Box Office (2240 E. Buchtel Blvd.); or Ticketmaster, 303-357-ARTS (2787).
The Colorado Ballet, at Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 950 13th St., presents: Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, choreography based on Martin Fredmann. Plays through Dec. 27, with performances Fri. & Sat, 7:30p.m.; Sat. & Sun. at 2p.m.; Wed., Dec. 17, 6:30p.m.; and Mon., Dec. 22, at 1 & 6:30p.m. Tickets at www.coloradoballet.org or 303-837-8888, ext. 2.
Rocky Mountain Conservatory Theatre, at Margery Reed Building, University of Denver, 2306 E. Evans Ave., presents: The Story of the Nutcracker, a youth-cast, all-ages adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s classic. Eight shows: Fri., Dec. 12 & 19, 7p.m.; Sat., Dec. 13 & 20, 2:30 & 7p.m.; and Sun., Dec. 14, & 21, 2:30p.m. Info/tickets: 303-476-0222 or www.RMCTonline.com.