Silver Spring Dance Conservatory invites the Lancaster community to experience a new holiday tradition this year: "Journey to the Land of the Sweets: A Nutcracker Tale." Created and choreographed by Katie Reiter, former assistant director of Hudson Youth Ballet and professional ballet dancer, this ballet is a new twist on an old tale that tells a slightly different story. The story does not include Clara, a Mouse King or even a Nutcracker. Instead, audiences will be transported into the dream-like world that is "The Land of the Sweets."

Fifty student ballet dancers from nine studios across Lancaster have been rehearsing since July to bring Reiter's vision to life. There will be four opportunities to see their work on display at the Hempfield Performing Arts Center, 1555 Kauffman Road, Landisville: Friday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m. and at 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m.

The 11 a.m. performance on Saturday will be a sensory-sensitive show. This means that it will be abbreviated with reduced sound levels, gentle stage lighting and low ambient lighting in the theater throughout the performance. Patrons will be allowed to move around or exit the theater as needed. There will also be designated "quiet spaces" should any guest need to take a break from the performance.

The run time for the evening and matinee shows is 50 minutes, while the sensory-sensitive show will run approximately 35 minutes.

As a part of Silver Spring Dance Conservatory's ongoing mission to make the art of dance accessible to all, performances are free to attend with the option to make a "pay-what-you-can" donation. Although all performances are free to attend, tickets are required as seating is assigned. Seats can be reserved at http://www.ticketor.com/silverspringdance.

"Journey to the Land of the Sweets: A Nutcracker Tale" is sponsored in part by Paul Jacobs Photography Prestige Color, Richardson Oswald Wealth Advisors and Trout CPA.