Several ballet dancers from the tri-town will be performing in the New Bedford Ballet's annual production of "A New England Nutcracker " at the New Bedford Ballet Community Theatre, located at 2343 Purchase Street in New Bedford. Journey back to the 1850s, as this holiday story is reimagined through New Bedford's historic whaling era.

Set to Tchaikovsky's score, the performance follows young Mary through a night of adventure. The ballet opens at the home of Captain Ephraim Williams where many guests, including Herman Melville, arrive at a holiday party, and the family celebrates the homecoming of the Captain after years at sea. He shares tales of his travels and comes bearing gifts, including dancing animals, and of course, a nutcracker for young Mary. After Mary drifts to sleep, the real adventures begin as the audience watches battling mice and soldiers, ending with the defeat of the Mouse Queen.

The journey continues as Mary sails through dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets. The performance is filled with characters from around the globe, including those unique to New England.

The audience will be entertained by Chinese, Spanish, French, and Russian dancers as well as whaling sailors and Native Americans.

This original adaptation of the traditional Nutcracker ballet, created by Rebecca Waskiel-Marchesseault, Director of the New Bedford Ballet, features choreography by Ms. Waskiel-Marchesseault, Erin Petitjean Allen, James Brown and Eugenia Zinovieva. The performance takes place in New Bedford Ballet's studio. This simple version with narration is engaging for children.

Ten performances will take place over two weekends: Saturday, December 2 at 1:30 and 3 p.m.; Sunday, December 3 at 1:30 and 3 p.m.; Friday, December 8 at 6:30 and 8 p.m.; Saturday, December 9 at 1:30 and 3 p.m., and Sunday, December 10 at 1:30 and 3 p.m.

Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $7 for seniors, students, and children. Group rates for non-profit organizations are available. All proceeds from the ballet support the New Bedford Ballet Foundation, a non-profit organization. For over twenty years, the Foundation has granted scholarships and given thousands of area school children and seniors the opportunity to witness the splendor and beauty of ballet. As a result of private and corporate contributions to the Foundation, the Youth Ballet will also be performing A New England Nutcracker for students from PACE Head Start, Early Learning Center, the Schwartz Center for Children, the Kennedy-Donovan Center, the New Bedford Council on Aging, and for patients and staff at Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence.

Tickets are limited and sell quickly; reserve yours soon by contacting the New Bedford Ballet at 508-993-1387. For more information visit www.newbedfordballet.org.