Twyla Tharp led the way with her distinct brand of American classicism, along with other artists who stepped it up.

A dancer ran up to her ballet teacher, sweat trickling down her face, as a mix of professional and local ballet dancers finished warming up on stage. "Miss Marisa, I hit a triple [pirouette] in warm ...

Held in the Vista Lounge, the show brought “tidbits” of “The Nutcracker” to the living room-style hall in honor of “Nine Ladies Dancing” in the traditional 12-day sequence leading up to Dec. 25.