‘The Hard Nut,’ Mark Morris’s disco-era version of the classic ‘The Nutcracker’

“The Hard Nut,” dances into the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House from Dec. 10 to 18.

“The Hard Nut” is an exhilarating New York City tradition. BAM and Mark Morris Dance Group once again present the holiday classic — a cheeky yet reverent homage to “The Nutcracker.” For this updated classic fairytale, Morris sets the action in the groovy ’70s, complete with go-go boots, G.I. Joe soldiers, a dancing Barbie doll, and inspired gender-bending casting. “The Hard Nut” takes its title from the story-within-a-story from Hoffman’s “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” wherein an evil Rat Queen promises to restore the Princess Pirlipat’s beauty if a young man can crack the “hard nut” with his teeth.

“The Hard Nut,” Dec. 10, 2 pm and 7:30 pm; Dec. 11, 3 pm; Dec. 14, 15, 16, 7:30 pm; Dec. 17, 2 pm and 7:30 pm; Dec. 18 at 3 pm. Tickets range from $25 to $135.

BAM Howard Gilman Opera House (30 Lafayette Ave. between Ashland Place and St. Felix Street in Fort Greene, www.bam.org).

Steps on Broadway Youth Programs

<p class="m_6201101365486487057m_1751229968981391907gmail-m-6447730382188674378msonospacing" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">For 40 years, the Youth Programs at the internationally celebrated Steps on Broadway have nurtured young dancers, ages 18 months to 18 years.&nbsp; Whether seeking a fun dance experience or comprehensive pre-professional training, there is a program suited for everyone.&nbsp; Classes include ballet, tap, jazz, theater dance, hip hop, contemporary, modern, pointe and more.&nbsp; Taught by a faculty of internationally-recognized concert, ballet, Broadway and celebrated guest artists, every student is encouraged to discover their artistic uniqueness, deepen their passion for the art form, while growing as dancers and individuals.&nbsp; Classes are offered throughout the academic year and summer. First Steps (ages 18 mos &ndash; 5 yrs) Kids &amp; Teens (ages 6-18 yrs) Pre-Professional Program (ages 7-18 yrs, by audition only)

Joe's Music & Dance Academy

Private and group music lessons &amp; dance classes for Guitar, Bass, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass, Drums, Piano, all woodwind &amp; brass instruments, Choir, Preschool Dance, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Step, African and Modern Dance and more. Helping thousands of students begin and continue on their musical journey since 1998!

PaleyLand Holiday Experience

Celebrate the holidays at PaleyLand at the Paley Museum, New York's must-visit destination for a holiday adventure, just steps from Rockefeller Center! Our five-floor immersive holiday extravaganza, includes photos with Santa and holiday characters, crafts, giveaways, screenings of classic holiday favorites, hot chocolate, a magical train display, and more. Escape the cold and the crowds, and enjoy our indoor wonderland where families can play, relax, and create timeless memories together in our holiday oasis in the heart of midtown Manhattan. General Admission to PaleyLand is free for children under 12. The holiday extravaganza is open from November 20 &ndash; January 5 at the Paley Museum, 25 W 52 Street, NYC. Paley Members enjoy free access. Come to PaleyLand again and again to see all your favorite characters and screenings. After just one visit, membership pays for itself! &nbsp;