Photo By Cincinnati Ballet

The Nutcracker (right) fights back the vermin threatening to ruin another festive celebration -- if you're hearing Tchaikovsky, it must be the holidays

It's that time of year again, and the holiday season inspires and revives old-time traditions in the realms of dance. Topping the entertainment hit list (along with Miracle on 34th Street and It's a Wonderful Life), what season would be complete without THE NUTCRACKER? This year, audiences have a couple of options: the School for Creative and Performing Arts presents the traditional tale in their Abigail Cutter Theater Dec. 9-12. And, of course, Cincinnati Ballet presents its version of Tchaikovsky's ubiquitous ballet at Music Hall Dec. 17-26. With classical choreography by Val Caniparoli set to the familiar, tuneful and well-loved score, CINCINNATI BALLET knows how to set the tone. (This season the Ballet is celebrating the 30th season of Nutcracker performance sponsorship by Frisch's: That's worth a Big Boy or two.) According to press information from the Ballet's recent foray to Anchorage, Alaska, the company strikes the right chords -- again -- with this year's dazzling production. As befits a tale of grand fantasy, visuals must reign supreme to captivate the whole family. Who better to provide imaginative, colorful costume and scenery designs than a children's book illustrator and designer? Alain Vaés' designs were actually crafted at the Kirov Ballet's scene shop in St. Petersburg, Russia. Considering that The Nutcracker was first performed by the Kirov Ballet there in 1892, no doubt the shop should deliver authentic results. Performances are: Dec. 17 (7:30 p.m.), Dec. 18-19 (2 and 7:30 p.m.); Dec. 21-22 (2 p.m.); Dec. 23 and 26 (2 and 7:30 p.m.). "Sugarplum Parades" follow each weekend matinee performance, and on Dec. 18-19 at noon there are Nutcracker luncheons that include a meal, crafts and entertainment. Tickets: 513-621-5282. ...

Speaking of days of yore, the FLYING CLOUD ACADEMY OF VINTAGE DANCE is hosting an authentic 19th-century social holiday ball, Yuletide Reveries, on Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. at the Wyoming Fine Arts Center. Dances will include: Polka, Schittische, Waltz and Quadrilles. If these are unfamiliar and you're feeling adventurous, fear not: You can register to take a crash course held earlier on Dec. 4. As is customary, period or contemporary evening attire and manners are in order. Info: www.vintagedance.net. ...

A bit further afield, Dayton's lively old time music and dance ensemble RHYTHM IN SHOES offers their comedic seasonal show Holiday on Thin Ice. A couple of special guests will be joining the troupe onstage Dec. 3-4 at Gilly's in downtown Dayton: comedian Robert Post, who specializes in broad physical comedy, and collaborative music man Greg Dearth, leader of the World's Finest Vaudeville Orchestra. After nearly 20 years of delighting audiences with their dynamic blend of clogging, tapping, step dancing and more, Rhythm in Shoes proves that vaudeville's appeal lives on -- just like so many festive traditions.