UTICA — A longtime tradition of holiday magic continues Dec. 9-11 as Utica Dance presents “The Nutcracker” at Mohawk Valley Community College, 1101 Sherman Drive.

Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9; at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 at the Schafer Theater in Wilcox Hall.

Utica Dance, formerly the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute Dance Program, is directed by Nancy Long and has presented “The Nutcracker” since 1999.

The cast of nearly 70 dancers includes students between the ages of 4 and 17 plus recent college graduates of the program, adults and guest artists.

Long said Beatrix Stayton, 13, of Sauquoit will dance the role of Clara, who receives the gift of a nutcracker from her uncle Drosselmeier, portrayed alternately by Aubrey Campbell, a freshman at Hamilton College, and Nik Allen of Rochester.

A struggle between Clara and her brother Fritz, danced by Ewan Leising, 10, of Clinton, breaks the nutcracker.

Falling asleep in front of the tree with the wooden nutcracker cradled in her arms, Clara has fantastic and wild dreams of the nutcracker coming to life to fight the Mouse King and an army of mice. The victorious Nutcracker, danced by Jake Brach of Boonville, ushers Clara through a magical snow scene where she meets the Snow Queen, alternately danced by Anita Grant and Finley Peplinki, seniors from New Hartford, and the Snow King, danced by guest artist Darwin Black of Seattle.

In the Land of the Sweets, Clara meets the Sugar Plum Fairy, danced by Elisabeth Hedeen, 16, of Boonville. Hedeen is partnered with guest artist Shane Ohmer of Cincinnati as her Cavalier. Clara is treated to a lively and colorful display of dances from around the world.

“The Nutcracker” is a highlight of long hours of preparation, Hedeen said.

“For me, my favorite part of ‘The Nutcracker’ is the opportunity to perform alongside my best friends,” she explained. “Few experiences compare to the joy performing brings me. The dancers, costumes, choreography, lights and audience all bring the enchantment of the captivating story to life.”

Recent Utica Dance program graduates return to perform in several parts, including the Spanish Dance. Maya Brown, Bailey Harrer and Violet Pedulla are joined by senior Ava Dornburgh of Old Forge. 

The show is part of MVCC’s Cultural Series. The college has been the home of the Utica Dance annual performance of “The Nutcracker” since 2002.

“MVCC has the ideal theater for the audience to have a personal and intimate experience of this beautiful production,” Long said. “It is a treat to see the fabulous dancers and costumes up close. The audience gets to feel like they are part of the action.”

Tickets are $17 for the general public and $15 for seniors and students and available at www.mvcc.edu/tickets