Los Gatos, Saratoga Youth Perform in SJ Dance Theatre's The Nutcracker

More than 80 dancers from Los Gatos and Saratoga perform in San Jose Dance Theatre's, in collaboration with Los Gatos Ballet's, The Nutcracker at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at the Center for the Performance Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd. in San Jose.

This will be the 47th production of the beloved ballet and it will include Melissa Sandvig, a finalist from So You Think You Can Dance, who will be dancing Dec. 1-2 the role of Sugar Plum.

The public can meet the dancers at the Candy Kingdom event before the evening show on Friday or after the matinees. The ballet dances are directed by Marcie Ryken, artistic director of Los Gatos Ballet.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2.

Tickets, which range from $20 to $50, can be purchased by calling 408-286-9905, or online by clicking here. Backstage tours are $3 to $5; and Candy Kingdom tickets are $8.

San Jose Dance Theatre's The Nutcracker is the oldest Nutcracker in San Jose, having run continuously each December for the past 47 years and featuring children dancers, ages 6 to 20. Eighty-five of this year's 110 dancers are from  Saratoga and Los Gatos, said Miriam Watson, vice president of San Jose Dance Theatre.

Among the dancers will be ballerinas Claire Cottingham of Saratoga and Caroline DiNapoli of Los Gatos, who both take turns playing the role of Clara in the ballet.

The economy has continued to challenge the nonprofit organization but loyal fans chose San Jose Dance Theatre's Nutcracker as their holiday tradition to support youth and to keep this long standing tradition alive, Watson added.

Details: Miriam Watson, 650-283-9030.