A Christmas classic is set to take the stage throughout the Okanagan this December. 

Mission Dance Company is bringing its annual production of The Nutcracker to Vernon, Penticton and 91´ó»ÆѼ, artistic director and producer Tanya Vadurova announced Thursday, Nov. 28.

The performance features accomplished and passionate ballet dancers paired with narration that will enhance the understanding of the classic Nutcracker story. 

Audiences will be taken back in time with the majestic dancing of the party guests and children, with lively seasonal celebrations filled with the magic and eccentricity of Uncle Drosslemeyer, who brings many gifts, including special life-size toys, to entertain the party guests. He also brings his special creation, the Nutcracker, which he gives to Clara while her mischievous little brother Fritz plots to disrupt the evening. 

The performers will have their audience in a state of suspense and laughter throughout the show. 

Attendees can feel the joy of the season through dance and this age old tale as they follow young Clara through her extraordinary dream of adventure. Witness the exquisite Sugar-Plum Fairy, the Nutcracker Prince, the dancing reindeer, some silly clowns and the exciting battle between the pestering mice and the Nutcracker Soldier's devoted army. 

Mission Dance Company makes this holiday tradition child-friendly yet entertaining for all generations. 

The production features the dancing of the Okanagan Ballet Theatre and the impressive young dancers of Mission Dance Company, who will fill the stage on their toes, leaving onlookers to wonder how they can balance and twirl on just the tip of their special pointed shoes. 

Vadurova was personally inspired at a young age after seeing The Nutcracker National Ballet of Canada’s Nutcracker in Toronto. She began her journey training full-time and performing with the prestigious National Ballet School in Toronto and later in Europe to further develop her expertise in ballet, flamenco and modern dance. Vadurova has dedicated 21 years to creating and building Mission Dance Centre, a school and dance academy coupled with a performing company. 

The two-hour event includes a post-performance reception with the Nutcracker cast. There will also be picture-taking with the stars by donation, and poster-signing with the different characters, also by donation. A silent auction will also be available. 

Reduced ticket prices are available for children 12 and under. 

Here are the show dates, times and locations, with links to online ticket portals:

Vernon:

• Dec. 7, 3 p.m. at the , 3800 33rd St.

Penticton:

• Dec. 12, 7 p.m. at the , 325 Power St.

• Dec. 13, 7 p.m. at the

91´ó»ÆѼ:

• Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at the , 421 Cawston Ave.

• Dec. 19, 7 p.m. at the