Captured in mid-dance are Dream Clara (Mayu Iris Odaka) and the Prince (Joseph Hetzer) during this year’s staging of “The Nutcracker” by the South Bay Ballet, under the artistic direction of Diane Lauridsen. There were two performances held this past weekend at the El Camino College Marsee Auditorium. Betty Lieu, wife of Congressmember-Elect Ted Lieu of the 33rd District, reprised her role as grandmother Clara, who reads to her grandchildren played by Sarah Hur, Michaela Dumlao and Acaju Chavez-Gastelum. (Photos by MARIO G. REYES/Rafu Shimpo)