
A pas de deux matches Monica Pelfrey as Marie, a character meant to represent Clara’s favorite doll, with her Prince, guest artist Kenta Shimizu. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Snowflakes gracefully move around the Alex Theatre stage in Glendale. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

The “Nutcracker” ensemble takes flight. The holiday classic was choreographed by Colleen Neary and Thordal Christensen, co-artistic directors of Los Angeles Ballet. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
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Katrina Gould and Peter Snow portray the Harlequin and Columbine Dolls. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Clara (Helena Thordal-Christensen) is surrounded by giant mice in a dream sequence. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Katie Tomer and Drew Grant are the flexible, sensuous and always strong Arabian dancers. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)