Any ‘Nutcracker’ memories?

Every dance fan has a cherished “Nutcracker” recollection. For older Southland balletomanes, it might be New York City Ballet dancing the Balanchine version in the Greek Theatre during the summer. Or perhaps Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland with American Ballet Theatre. Or Mark Morris’ uproarious “Hard Nut” on television. Maybe even an experience dancing the ballet in one of the many productions staged each year.

Now all that personal “Nutcracker” lore can be put to use in a contest by San Francisco Ballet titled “Remember When You First Saw It?” The public is asked to submit written descriptions (25 words or less) and a piece of original artwork. One entry, selected at random, will earn the sender a holiday gift package that includes four orchestra seats to the company’s opening-night “Nutcracker” Nov. 28 as well as two nights of accommodations for four at the Fairmont Hotel and a $500 Macy’s gift card.

Up to 100 of the submissions will be displayed in the War Memorial Opera House during the company’s annual “Nutcracker” run (through Dec. 28). To enter, visit www.sfballet.org and click onto the “Nutcracker Art Contest” icon on the home page. All legal California residents with Internet access are eligible. The contest ends Nov. 7.

-- Lewis Segal