Visions of Sugar Plums

 Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet The Nutcracker returns in two varieties this season. The homegrown Goh Ballet version (Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts, Dec. 18, 19, and 21) brings to life the Land of Sweets in a production that’s been described as “impossibly pretty.” (For more on Goh Ballet, see our Q&A with director Chan Hon Goh on pg. 24.) Or take a journey into a uniquely Canadian winter scene (hockey ponds, Houses of Parliament) with Ballet BC’s presentation of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet production (Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Dec. 12 to 14), returning after last year’s hiatus.