Dance-offs

Newspapers certainly love duals, and the New York Times isn't exempt.

This one isn't in the political sphere or on a sports field, though. The paper reports that starting next year, the American Ballet Theater will establish a "Nutcracker" franchise at BAM in Fort Greeen, to rival City Ballet's own longstanding run in Manhattan.

“I actually suggested A.B.T. do a ‘Nutcracker,’ ” David H. Koch, the vice chairman of ATB's board, told the paper. “They certainly need one in the worst way."

That's not all. BAM will also host "The Hard Nut," Mark Morris Dance Group's spin on the classic, which will be closing a mere three days before ATB's version opens.

While this drama is a year in the making, let the games begin, as they say.