Dance Alive National Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” on Friday through Sunday at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Gainesville.

The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at 3201 Hull Rd.

Tickets range from $45 to $65 and can be purchased by clicking here, in person at the Phillips Center box office or by calling either 352-392-2787 or 800-905-2787.

The performance will be accompanied by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Raymond Dhobaz.

It’s not the holidays without the Nutcracker. This all-time family favorite sees Clara return to the stage, saving the Nutcracker prince, and embarking on a magical journey to the Kingdom of the Sweets.

“Tradition, beauty, grace, and a terrific story. What more can you ask for?” said Artistic Director Kim Tuttle in a press release. “It’s sheer magic with a fabulous cast,”

Composed by P.I. Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Tuttle, Dance Alive’s adaptation features beautiful set design by Denis Mauldin and costumes by Soili Arvola, Chris Takashima and Rebecca Flake. In addition to the professional dancers, “The Nutcracker” showcases local area dance students from Gainesville and the surrounding areas.

Also, children are to join Clara for ‘Class with Clara,’ a ballet class onstage at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 21. Tickets are only needed for class participants (by clicking here) and spectators may attend for free.