Seventy-four students from Lancaster County and beyond will join professional dancers from around the world on stage in five performances of "The Nutcracker" ballet from Friday to Sunday, Dec. 6 to 8. Viktor Yeliohin directs the production, which will be presented at Lancaster Mennonite High School, 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. A special performance for local students will take place in the morning on Dec. 6, and the production will open to the public at 6:30 p.m. Two shows will follow on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 1 and 6 p.m., with a final matinee on Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.

Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker" dates back to 1892 when it was performed for the first time the week before Christmas in St. Petersburg, Russia. The ballet then traveled to England in 1934 followed by the United States in 1944; 2024 marks 80 years since the production came to the U.S. In addition, Yeliohin is celebrating his 30th year directing the show in Lancaster. His students have been preparing for the performances for more than seven months.

"The Nutcracker" follows Clara's magical Christmas journey through the Land of Sweets and beyond. This year, Gianna Fasano from Lampeter-Strasburg School District and Maggie O'Connor from the School District of Lancaster will star as Clara. This year marks Fasano's 11th year and O'Connor's ninth year in the show.

To purchase tickets and obtain more information, visit www.vyballet.com or call 717-517-9837.