Dancers' Alley is premiering its 12th performance of "The Nutcracker" this weekend, a ballet that has unmistakable holiday magic, studio owner and director Katy Howland said.
"There have been entire dissertations on (what makes it special)," Howland laughed. "I think it just embodies what everybody wants Christmas to be about."
The Nutcracker will premiere at 7 p.m. Saturday with additional performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday at the Miller Performing Arts Center, 501 Madison St. in Jefferson City. Tickets cost $12-$18 depending on seating.
The dance studio has been performing "The Nutcracker" every other year since 1999, and this year is especially anticipated as they took a break last year due to COVID-19. Howlands' students have expressed their excitement for its return.
"One of my young dancers said when hearing the music in rehearsals, 'Oh Ms. Katy, that's the best therapy ever,'" she said, adding she anticipates audiences are excited, too. "I know everyone is eager to get out, celebrate the season, and the ballet is a delight for that."
The ballet sweeps dancers and audiences into Clara's magical dream of toy soldiers, the Land of Sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy. When she receives a wooden Nutcracker doll from her mysterious godfather, Drosselmeyer, on Christmas Eve, Clara finds herself in a dream world once night falls, saving her doll from the evil Mouse King while traveling to new lands.
There are more than 180 costumes, detailed backdrops and snow featured in the production, which Howland said transports the audience from one scene to another.
There's also some practical magic involved: Aaron Gillam, who plays Drosselmeyer, is a professional magician and illusionist, which adds to the plot in Acts 1 and 2.
Howland said those producing the production try to add new elements each year; audiences can expect a few surprises in Act 2 this year.
"It keeps getting better and better," she said, "but audiences can also see all their favorite (elements)."
Deaven Duemmel, 13, holds the coveted role of Clara this year. Howland said there have been 12 Claras so far in Dancers' Alley history, and its "kind of amazing" to see previous Claras still involved in the studio or even playing parents in Act 1.
Both the dancers and staff have also added magic to the show, she said. "The Nutcracker" features local dancers, actors and professional guest artists involved with the Missouri Contemporary Ballet who come in from all over the U.S. to help with the show. Howland said Elise Mosbacher, who is a part of MCB, has assisted with the choreography for the ballet and been a huge help with the project.
"Especially after the year off, it feels like a privilege to direct and have so many important members, from the tiniest mouse to the Sugar Plum Fairy," Howland said.