The holiday season is the perfect time to curl up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate to watch a movie with our loved ones or to go to the theatre to see some of the classics live on stage.  Here is a list of our favorite holiday dance movies (many of which are also live shows!).

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Two words: The Rockettes!  The Christmas Spectacular is an NYC-must-see during the holiday season.  We love the iconic, historic numbers like “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” paired with more modern choreography in the Rockettes signature precision tap and jazz dance.  The Radio City Music Hall theatre, live animals, stunning costumes, and special effects all make the performance an unforgettable experience no matter your age.  You can also watch the 75th anniversary Christmas Spectacular on DVD and on Netflix to bring the magic of New York at Christmas into your own home.

A Nutcracker Christmas

This Hallmark movie starring Amy Acker, Sascha Radetsky, and Sophia Lucia is the perfect chick flick for your holiday sleepover with your dance friends.  Jaded ex-ballerina, Lily, faces the life (and love) she left behind when her niece, Sadie, gets cast in a production of “The Nutcracker.” This movie has romance, beautiful dancing, and all the cheesy Christmas cheer we love this time of year! 

White Christmas

Even Californians dream of a white Christmas!  This movie and musical production epitomize the joy and magic of the holidays.  We love the dancing in the film (by Robert Alton) and the stage show (choreographed by Randy Skinner).  White Christmas will always remain a must-see holiday classic.  

The Nutcracker

This ballet has a special place in every dancer’s heart – whether or not we want to admit it!  The music reminds us of our very first time seeing the show onstage (for many of us, it was the moment we told our parents we wanted to dance!).  The story is magical and is performed in cities all around the world.  In addition to seeing a production (or maybe even performing in one) in your hometown, we’d also recommend watching the 1993 film version starring New York City Ballet.