Enjoy the magic and enchantment of “The Nutcracker” this holiday season as the Chesco Dance Center once again stages the holiday classic for audiences in southern Chester County.

Kellie Gwaltney-Greer, the owner of the Chesco Dance Center, promised that the performances will be a traditional take on the holiday favorite—but with some modern twists.

The first performance takes place on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the 28th annual Country Christmas celebration at Avon Grove Intermediate School. There will also be two performances of “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Dec. 21 at the International Cultural Center on the campus of Lincoln University.

Tickets are available now. Visit the Chesco Dance Center’s Facebook page or website (www.chescodancecenter.com) for information about the performances, and tickets can be purchased at https://27827.recitalticketing.com/.

This is the third year that the Chesco Dance Center has staged “The Nutcracker” in southern Chester County, and Kellie said that there is always something magical about the show.  She performed in “The Nutcracker” at least ten times herself, and she likes being able to offer that same opportunity to young performers at the Chesco Dance Center. Some of her favorite moments in dance came on a stage performing “The Nutcracker,” Kellie said.

“Any time that music starts,” she explained, “I remember every part that I’ve done. It’s just magical. The music is magical. It’s a timeless holiday tradition.”

“The Nutcracker” ballet tells the story of a toy solider come to life. With its colorful costumes, fantastical score, and angels, toy soldiers, mice, and party girls and boys, the show is a great Christmas spectacle. But it takes lot of work on the part of the cast and crew to stage “The Nutcracker.”

The original tale of “The Nutcracker” is based on a libretto by E.T.A. Hoffman titled “Der Nussnacker und der Mausekonig,” or "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King." The score was written by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It was originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, and premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg on Sunday, Dec. 18, 1892. Although it wasn’t initially a hit with audiences, it has grown into a holiday favorite for audiences around the world.

The Chesco Dance Center cast and crew has been hard at work since September rehearsing for the show.

“‘The Nutcracker’ is a magical ballet, and it’s a magical time of the year,” said Kellie. “It’s a great production for all ages and all skill levels, and we have lots of local kids involved in the production.”

The Country Christmas Craft Fair at Avon Grove Intermediate School takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, and the sneak peak of “The Nutcracker” is free. There will be two performances of “The Nutcracker” at the International Cultural Center on the campus of Lincoln University. Those performances are at noon and 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 for regular seating and $20 for premium seating.