"The Nutcracker" one of the most beloved ballets of all time, will be presented by the Columbia City Ballet Friday, Dec. 5, to Sunday,

Dec. 7, in Wheelwright Auditorium at Coastal Carolina University. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6. Matinees will be at 3 p.m. both Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7. Tickets are $20 for adults and free to students under the age of 18.

This classic Tchaikovsky ballet is about a young girl named Clara whose wooden nutcracker doll comes to life and takes her on a magical journey. For this perennial holiday favorite, Columbia City Ballet artistic director William Starrett has assembled a cast of world-class dancers, including medalists and former members of the National Ballet of Canada, American Ballet Theatre and the Joffrey Ballet. The cast of the production also features young dancers from the Grand Strand community who auditioned for the performance.

"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.