Based on the beloved tale by E.T.A. Hoffman, set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s sweeping score, The Nutcracker has become synonymous with winter holiday season. Ballet Rincon’s production features renowned guest artists, dancers from Performance Ensemble, and Academy students.

Presented in two acts, The Nutcracker tells the magical story of a young girl in which young Clara Silberhaus’s godfather Herr Drosselmeyer gifts her a Nutcracker for Christmas. The Nutcracker comes alive and, after defeating the evil Mouse King in battle, whisks Clara away to his magical kingdom of sweets, where she meets the Sugar Plum fairy and entourage.

Photos courtesy of Reyna’s Photography.