Southwest Ballet Theatre will present its 10th annual performance of The Nutcracker at Estrella Mountain Community College’s Performing Arts Center, 3000 North Dysart Road in Avondale. Directed by Crystal Fullmer, the production will feature dancers from the School of Southwest Ballet Theatre and Grand Canyon University.

The Nutcracker, with music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, tells the story of a young girl named Clara who is given a wooden nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. The doll comes to life, leading Clara through an adventure that includes a battle with mice, a journey to the Land of Snow, and a visit to the Kingdom of Sweets.

The ballet is known for its iconic score, including the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy." The performances will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 and Friday, Dec. 13 and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15.

 Will call opens one hour before the show, and the house opens 30 minutes before each performance. Online ticket sales close 12 hours prior to showtime, with the remaining tickets available for purchase at the door.

General Admission is $29, student tickets for people 18-years-old and under are $20, and EMCC students can attend for free.

In 2014, Melissa Hahne, founder of Southwest Ballet Theatre, proposed the idea of bringing ballet performances to the West Valley in partnership with Estrella Mountain Community College. Since then, SWBT has been providing dance instruction and performances, supported by community contributions and federal grants. The organization aims to bring awareness to classical ballet while fostering a supportive environment for students of all levels.

Visit swbtballet.org for more information.