UCSB Arts & Lectures presents “Dorrance Dance’s The Nutcracker Suite,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 at The Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara.

Tap and jazz will take on Tchaikovsky in Dorrance Dance’s version of the holiday classic. The tap company boogies, slides, struts and dives through the magical story of a young girl and her fantastical Christmas adventure.

Taking their cue from Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s extraordinary reinterpretation of “The Nutcracker Suite,” Michelle Dorrance and co-choreographers Hannah Heller and Josette Wiggan transform the Sugar Plum Fairy into a slinky Sugar Rum Cherry, while the “March of the Toy Soldiers” becomes a swinging “Peanut Brittle Brigade,” featuring live music.

Attendees are urged to arrive early, 5-7 p.m., to enjoy light installations, hot cider and festive performances from the Santa Barbara Revels and UCSB Jazz Ensemble in front of the Arlington, part of Downtown Santa Barbara’s 1st Thursday Art Walk.

To spread holiday cheer to someone in need, A&L is partnering with the United Way of Santa Barbara County for United Way’s 2024 Holiday Gift Drive. Dance show patrons are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift card ($25 suggested amount) to donate at the event.

Tickets are $52-$107; $22.50 for UCSB students with current student ID. For tickets or more information, call UCSB Arts & Lectures, 805-893-3535, buy online at www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu; or call the Arlington Theatre, 805-963-9580

In a related event, there will be a free Community Dance Class with Michelle Dorrance, 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at Carrillo Ballroom, 100 E. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara. Register here.