Ballet Ariel’s classical version of The Nutcracker returns to Lakewood Cultural Center for 9 performances running December 15th-27th. Tickets are $30-$38 and can be purchased at www.lakewood.org/tickets or by calling 303-987-7845.

Ballet Ariel’s The Nutcracker is a traditional interpretation interwoven with original, creative elements, resulting in a beautifully inventive ballet performed by Ballet Ariel’s professional company and Ballet Ariel School students to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.

The entire family will be spellbound as Clara and the Nutcracker Prince defeat the Mouse King. Together they travel through a swirl of Snowflakes to the Land of the Sweets to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy. An array of sweets from around the world comes together in a delightful celebration to honor the brave Clara with dancers representing chocolates from Spain, coffee from Arabia, tea from China and candy canes from Russia.

Special guest artist and Denver dance legend, Paul Noel Fiorino, will reprise his role as Drosselmeyer. Creative collaborators include Oleg Dedogryuk, former Eifman Ballet member and Patricia Renzetti, Ballet Ariel’s Ballet Mistress and formerly prima ballerina for the Colorado Ballet.

Matinees will be performed on December 15, 16, 22, 23, 26, and 27 at 2:00 p.m. Three evening performances will be presented on December 21, 22, and 26 at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now, $38 for adults, $35 for students and seniors, and $30 for children, and can be purchased on-line at www.lakewood.org/tickets, in person at the box office at 470 S. Allison Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80226, or by calling 303-987-7845.