To celebrate three decades of presenting "The Nutcracker" to Lancaster-area audiences, the Viktor Yeliohin International Ballet Academy will hold a special presentation of the ballet, which will bring together on stage 20 dancers who have played Clara in the production.

"The Nutcracker" will be presented at the High Fine Arts Center at Lancaster Mennonite School, 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, on Friday, Dec. 1, at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 2, at 1 and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m. The former Claras will be honored at the 1 p.m. show on Dec. 2.

The story of "The Nutcracker" has its roots in "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," written in 1816 by E.T.A. Hoffmann. The ballet tells the tale of a young girl, named Clara, who is given the gift of a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve. Clara's beloved toy then battles the Mouse King. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky wrote the score for the ballet, which was first performed in 1892 and has since become a Christmas classic. Among the more than 100 dancers taking part in this year's performance will be children from more than 10 Lancaster dance studios as well as professional dancers from the United States and one from Ukraine.

According to Viktor Yeliohin International Ballet Academy administrative assistant Kelly Boettger, bringing back the women who have danced the role of Clara is a tradition that is practiced at special anniversary performances. "They will be introduced during intermission," explained Boettger, who noted that each dancer will receive a gift, flowers, and this year's T-shirt. She noted that all the Claras are from Lancaster or York counties and that two former Claras will dance in this year's production. "One will be the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the other is dancing the role of a parent and in 'Waltz of the Flowers,'" she said.

Yeliohin, who serves as artistic director for the ballet, noted this year's performance will be especially "memorable and exciting because the former Claras will be recognized on stage and in the program."

A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be designated to help Ukrainian dancers who were deeply affected by the ongoing war.

Tickets may be reserved by calling 610-914-3663 or purchased online at http://www.vyballet.com. Questions may be emailed to vyibanutcrackertickets@gmail.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.