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[dirac]

Pole dancers present "The Slutcracker."

Classically trained dancer Vanessa White created Boston's burlesque version after an injury forced her to quit ballet.

She told ABC News: 'Slutcracker, the name just kind of popped into my head and my husband was like, you have to do that!'

[dirac]

A review of Texas Ballet Theater in "The Nutty Nutcracker" by Mark Lowry in The Star-Telegram.

The show, produced only once before (but moved to a primo Friday slot this year), takes the basic framework of the ballet's holiday tradition and fills it with characters from pop culture and outrageous gags. And considering this is our professional ballet company, there's some fierce dance, too.

It's not all about pointe work and fouttes, though. Appearances by J.Lo, Elvis, the Lord of the Dance guys (with Peter Zweife as Michael Flatley), the Von Trapp kids (parodied from The Sound of Music) and an encore ensemble dance to the Bollywood number Jai Ho ensure there's lots of booty shakin' and pop culture-riffing.

[dirac]

The Joffrey Ballet wins the "Nutty." Item in brief.

It is presented each year by Goldstar, an online membership site for half-price tickets.

In addition to bragging rights, the Joffrey will also receive a cash prize to be used for its education programs.

[dirac]

A review of the year in dance around Montreal by Victor Swoboda in The Montreal Gazette.

Montreal's drought of classical ballet was relieved, courtesy of the Cuban National Ballet. Three casts performed Giselle with a characteristically Cuban verve that added emotional punch without sacrificing the strict esthetic of this traditional classic ballet. While here, several company dancers defected, and though Cuban defections are nothing new, The Gazette's story made international headlines.

Wayne McGregor's Entity gave a good idea of this British choreographer's quirky style. His handling of body shapes and off-centre balance was compelling. McGregor should join Danse Danse's roster of returning dancemakers.