Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” ballet has kept Trinity Peek on her toes for three years. The Redding native is dancing in the chorus of the Long Beach Ballet’s production of the popular Christmas show.

A battle between brave toys and marauding mice. An elegant Waltz of the Snowflakes. The dance of the Sugarplum Fairy that's just as sweet as any holiday dessert. For many Americans, watching these ...