Festival Ballet Providence brings a joyous holiday gift to Providence with its beloved production of “The Nutcracker,” a timeless and revered family tradition. “The Nutcracker” will be performed on the stage of the grand Providence Performing Arts Center for four performances only: Dec. 19-21, Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are selling fast so early purchase is recommended. Ticket prices are  $23, $38, $53, $68 and $85 (group discounts are available; call Paul Hiatt at574-3162).

“The Nutcracker” is the perfect way to introduce young people to the power and beauty of classical dance. Mihailo Djuric’s choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score combines with fairytale scenery and vibrant theatrical staging to distinguish this visually stunning production. For the past 17 years, Djuric’s version has brought an unforgettable experience to young and old alike with thrilling special effects that include the Christmas tree that “grows” to the top of the proscenium and “snow” falling during the snow scene.

Each year, talented young dancers, selected through a rigorous audition and rehearsal that begins in September, join the FBP professional company. This year, more than 100 children, ages 6-17, will perform, representing the FBP School as well as other dance schools from communities in Rhode Island a record 19 towns and Massachusetts. The coveted roles they will play include Angels, Party Children, Candy Dolls, Mice, Sugar Plum Fairy attendants, Soldiers and Russian dancers. The excitement will be palpable as these young students realize their dreams of dancing on the stage with professional ballet dancers and recreate the magic of this beloved ballet.

The lead role of Clara will be danced by Barrington resident, Lan Pricolo (for the second year in a row), and Olivia Lucianno, from Somerset, Massachusetts, who will dance the part for the first time. Both girls are promising young FBP students who have grown and matured over their years in the FBP School.

The role of the Sugar Plum Fairy will be performed in rotating casts by Vilia Putrius (with Mindaugas Bauzys as her cavalier) and Ruth Whitney (with Alan Alberto a her cavalier). Kirsten Evans (with Alex Lantz as her cavalier) will debut in this role, in the discover Dance school programs on Dec. 18 and 19.

“The Nutcracker” will be played by Ilya Burov, who is in his ninth season with the company and Vincent Brewer, currently in his fourth season with FBP.

The role of Herr Drosselmeyer will be performed by Dylan Giles (in his fourth year with the company) and Alex Lantz (in his third year).

Clara’s Tea, the annual sellout event for Nutcracker fans, will be hosted by Festival Ballet Providence at Gracie¹s, 194 Washington Street, Providence, on Dec. 21 at 11:30 a.m. The event provides a memorable family experience including a chance to meet Nutcracker characters prior to the 1:30 p.m. matinee performance. Tickets can be purchased online at www.festivalballetprovidence.org.

Each year, thousands of schoolchildren experience the joy of live dance, many for the first time, through FBP’s educational outreach program, Discover Dance. In addition to FBP’s introductory lecture-demonstrations about ballet and The Nutcracker, the students are invited to one of two school-time full-scale productions at PPAC on Dec. 18 and 19. FBP anticipates approximately 2,500 in the audience for this year’s performances, which will offer great photo and interview opportunities for the media.

Nutcracker fans will be able to see Archie, FBP’s Yorkshire Terrier mascot, make his annual prance across the stage. For the past 14 years, this beloved dog, who knows his role almost instinctively and loves performing it, has opened the show. In spite of Archie’s advanced age of 14 years, he is guaranteed to perform his role with as much energy and excitement as he did when he was just a puppy.

The Nutcracker tells the story of a young girl named Clara, who on Christmas Eve receives a toy Nutcracker as a gift from her mysterious uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer. After falling asleep with the toy cradled in her arms, Clara is startled awake by a group of terrifying mice who are the same size as she. An exciting battle ensues between he gang of mice and an army of larger-than-life toy soldiers, led by The Nutcracker who has grown to life-size and come to life. The battle ends with a sword fight between the Mouse Queen and The Nutcracker, who ultimately wins the fight. He takes Clara on an adventure through a forest filled with snowflakes that float an dance through the air. Then, they arrive at the Kingdom of Sweets, led by the Sugar Plum Fairy herself, who invites the entire kingdom to dance for their special guest.