One reliable option is the Butler Ballet, part of the dance department at Butler University's Jordan College of Fine Arts. The student ballet company, which performs at Clowes Memorial Hall, offers an annual holiday performance of "The Nutcracker," as well as other traditional favorites and contemporary dance performances. The schedule varies each year, so check the Web site for more information.
The Russian Ballet Academy of Indiana performs at the Madam Walker Theatre. Recent performances have included "The Nutcracker" and "Phantom of the Opera." Again, the schedule changes every year, so check the Web site for updates.
Check the performance schedules for Clowes Memorial Hall and the Murat Centre. These two Indianapolis venues often feature traveling ballet companies.
If you love ballet, why not explore contemporary dance, as well? Your best bets are the Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, which performs primarily at the Pike Performing Arts Center, and Dance Kaleidoscope, which performs at Clowes Memorial Hall and the Indiana Repertory Theatre.
Indianapolis is home to several ballet academies that present amateur performances to the public. These include the Indianapolis School of Ballet and the Central Indiana Dance Ensemble. If your children are aspiring dancers, these performances can show them that their dream is within reach.