A Leg Up On Xmas

WARNING! There's a spoiler in here. If you like to fling yourself off the curb of life, ignorant of the bus headed your way, read no further, 'cause I'm describing the bus here. It's a big red and green bus full of boxy-toed satin shoes and sharp collarbones—nothing says Christmas like family ballet outings. For a little variation on the theme, this Tulle-tide bus traded its Nutcracker and Rat for some penguins, snowmen and Old Saint Nick. Dallas Metro Ballet's The Night Before Christmas hosts guest stars Julie Diana and Zachary Hench (principals in the Pennsylvania Ballet Company), who probably leapt at the chance to work in our subtropical holiday clime. The whole family knows the story, so no need for complex program notes. Just sit back and enjoy the whirling peppermint sticks, confident that it's not over till the fat man "ho"s. Oh, the spoiler: Plan to have ballet lessons and tights under the tree. One of the kids will plea to plié—immédiatement! Performances are 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at SMU's McFarlin Auditorium. Tickets range from $20 to $40. Call 214-631-2787 or visit dallasmetroballet.com.
Sat., Dec. 15, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 16, 2 p.m., 2007