The Nutcracker, one of the most popular ballets of all time, will be presented by the Columbia City Ballet Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. in Wheelwright Auditorium at Coastal Carolina University. Tickets are $15 for adults and free to students under the age of 18.

Directed by William Starrett, The Nutcracker is performed more times and for more people than any other ballet in the company's history. The Columbia City Ballet has performed it since 1966. The company's rendition of the old classic boasts elaborate costumes and sets that include 100 pounds of snow made of Mylar and glitter.

Set at Christmas time, the seasonal favorite offers audiences a peak into a child's dream filled with dancing fairies, toy soldiers and mouse armies.

The event is sponsored by HTC and Santee Cooper.

For more information, contact the Wheelwright Box Office at 349-2502.