MOSES LAKE - Nearly 80 dancers dressed as toy soldiers, partygoers, mice and flowers performed in "The Nutcracker" ballet.

Spectators crowded into the Moses Lake High School theater for Saturday's double showing sponsored by The Ballet Academy of Moses Lake and Today's Generation.

"The girls have wanted to do it for awhile," says director Lacey Stowers. "I was hesitant because it was such a huge undertaking. But I feel so blessed that it all came together."

Dancers began rehearsing August but planning for the performance began last February.

The ballet showcased dancers who are seniors in high school all the way down to just 3-year-olds.

"It's literally hundreds of hours of practice," Stowers says, "But it's been really fun to see them getting excited."

Stowers teaches at The Ballet Academy of Moses Lake and says she loves it.

"My favorite thing is watching that spark of discovery in a student's eye when they learn a new step or figure out a new step. I really like that," says Stowers.

Stowers says she watched the dancers closely throughout the year to learn who would fit the different roles.

"One of the hardest parts was trying to learn the tree dance and memorize all of it," says Anita Patten, who first appears as one of the girls at the Christmas party in the play.

Kristal Garland-Smith says she was very happy with her role as the Arabian lead.

"I've always wanted to do that part," Garland-Smith said.

Hunter Cruz, who plays Fritz, says he was hesitant about performing.

"My sister dances and at first I wasn't up to it because I didn't know any of these guys," Cruz says. "I was nervous at first but then it was fun."

Apart from small hair accessories flying off mid-performance, the show was a success, judging by the audience reaction.

Stowers says the Ballet Academy and Today's Generation hope to alternate heading up the show in the future.