ELMIRA, NY (WENY) -- The holiday season is upon us, and to welcome it, the classic annual performance of The Nutcracker is taking center stage at the Clemens Center. This year, The Rafael Gregorian Ballet Theatre (RGBT) is promising a heartwarming performance for all ages.  

The traditional holiday show dates to 1816, with Tchaikovsky’s original score. Rafael Gregorian, founder and Artistic Director of RGBT says he’s thrilled to work with the young talent to get this production up and running.  

“We're happy to do this every year [with] our young people, students, and [with the] audience who come. Usually, [the] audience enjoys our productions.  We're working very, very hard.”  

The annual Nutcracker production is one of the highlights of the season, but prepares early on in the year, with auditions happening at the end and beginning of the school year.  

“We try to involve people, not just our students, and everyone who would like to be part of the show. And we have people from, not just in Elmira, some people come from West from Elmira, from Binghamton” adding “we welcome everyone who would like to dance.”  

This year, the production includes new elements, without changing the story, says Gregorian.  

“We work very hard to put on a beautiful production,” said Rafael Gregorian. “Every year, we try to add new elements, but we keep the heart of the show the same. It’s a celebration of joy, and we want our audience to feel that magic, especially during the holiday season.” 

Gregorian refers to the young dancers as the “stars of the show,” noting their growth in confidence and ability to perform with even more freedom on stage.  

The show will be taking place Saturday, December 7, from 2 PM to 4 PM at the Clemens Center. Adult prices range between $20 to $4.  Tickets for seniors and students are $15, while children ages five and younger are free with the purchase of an adult ticket and can be purchased by visiting the Clemens Center website here.