Choice: The critics: DANCE

English National Ballet give the Ben Stevenson production of The Nutcracker its final outing at the Festival Hall this Christmas. Derek Deane looks forward to a spanking new version with designs by Sue Blane in time for next year's panto season. Royal Festival Hall, London SE1

The Royal Ballet alternates its unashamedly bankable Tales of Beatrix Potter (right) with two other family favourites: Ashton's answer to Torvill and Dean, Les Patineurs (two performances this Saturday and two more next Thursday), and Matthew Hart's new work for the Royal Ballet School, Peter and the Wolf (twice today). Either double-bill is short and sweet fare for the junior ballet-goer. Royal Opera House, London WC2

Hart's other 1995 creation is at Sadler's until 6 Jan. Cinderella, with Prokofiev's sophisticated score and the dumb clowning of the Ugly Sisters, can usually be relied upon to beguile adults and children alike. Sadler's Wells, London EC1

LOUISE LEVENE