When you think of holiday performances, "The Nutcracker," may come to mind. One local show is not just any performance of "The Nutcracker," it's actually a one of a kind.

The late Duncan Noble, a renowned dance instructor and dancer, created "The Nutcracker-Clara's Dream" specifically for the Schrader Youth Ballet to perform at Smoot Theatre. He choreographed it on the 100th anniversary of the original Russian version, "The Nutcracker."

It's a condensed version of the ballet taking place in Clara's dream rather than the traditional Christmas party scene. In her dream, she receives dolls who are the dancers.

These dancers make the entire ballet possible with their energy, hard work, and passion.

Before the curtain is raised, dancers will take their spots. One of them, Dan Leach, began dancing when he was 8 years old and then left the dance world.

"Well I got involved with the Schrader's cause I saw them doing a presentation at the mall," said Dan Leach, who is dancing the role of the Snow King.

That was five years ago when he met Velma Schrader who immediately put him in the show. She says his natural talent could lead him to a future in ballet but he has other plans.

"I'm studying electrical engineering, Japanese, and mathematics," he said.

He's studying at Ohio University and hopes to get the Fulbright scholarship to be in Japan at this time next year, making this possibly his last performance.

On the other hand Emma McGirr is a former Schrader Youth Ballet student who is pursuing a career in ballet. She's currently a freshman at the University of Cincinnati College- Conservatory of Music.

"It's something I grew up doing and I've always really enjoyed it and I've found that's really the only thing that probably is the only thing that I enjoy so much, " said Emma McGirr, who is dancing the roles of Sugarplum Fairy and Snow Queen.

Dancers start tying their shoes at a young age. Some go on to pursue ballet and others pursue other fields but the memories live on.

"I don't know it just sticks with you and once you try it you really have an appreciation for it and you never lose it i guess, said Leach.

A current Schrader Youth Ballet student describes what her experience is like in regard to dancing to the music and how it moves her.

"After I have a performance I never remember it," said Alexa Patton, who is dancing the roles of Rosebud, Spanish, and Snowflake.

Dancers become so enrapped in the scene they become a part of it and they truly make the art of ballet come alive in the hearts of former and current dancers.

About 30 dancers from the Mid-Ohio Valley are in this year's performance that includes two other dances, "The Land" and "A Gathering of Angels." "The Land" was choreagraphed by Teri Seier, a visiting dance instructor from New York. "A Gathering of Angels" was choreographed by Lori Patton, a dance instructor at Marietta College.

The show is Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. and Friday there will be a performance titled "Meet Mr. Nutcracker" for area school children.

For more information on how to purchase tickets visit our web channel homepage at www.wtap.com and click on the hot button.

The Mid-Ohio Valley Ballet Company is also having a performance of The Nutcracker at Marietta High School Friday night at 7:30.