COEUR d’ALENE — Sugarplum fairies. The dreaded Mouse King. Clara and her Nutcracker. 

For many, the enchanting story of “The Nutcracker” and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score are part of a treasured holiday tradition, which students at Dance Theatre Northwest in Rathdrum will bring to life once again in December. 

Performances of “The Nutcracker” will be 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Schuler Performing Arts Center on the North Idaho College campus.

While ballet companies in major cities can be counted on to perform “The Nutcracker” annually, it’s uncommon to see the ballet put on by small studios because of its size. 

“There are so many characters and details,” said Sarah Grant, ballet program director for Dance Theatre Northwest. “It’s a big undertaking to produce a true classical ballet.” 

Upon joining Dance Theatre Northwest, she was surprised and delighted to learn the studio puts on “The Nutcracker” every other year. 

“I was over the moon about that,” she said. “It’s such a huge opportunity. It gives my students more a true classical experience with the story, the choreography and the costuming.” 

Grant said Dance Theatre Northwest’s production is made all the more special because of the hard work of the students, from the tiniest dancers taking the stage for their first performance to experienced students stepping into leading roles. 

“This is something they’re going to have in their back pocket to relate back to for classical ballet,” Grant said. 

Students who continue to pursue ballet will be able to say they danced “The Nutcracker.” 

“In the arts world, that holds some status, especially being a kid,” Grant said. “Even though we don’t have professional dancers in our production, we are still producing a professional-level production for them.” 

Musicians from the Music Conservatory of Coeur d’Alene will accompany the performance, in a collaboration that highlights the unity of the local performing arts community. 

Grant said she’s excited for her students to take to the stage and share with the community what they’ve been working for months to achieve. 

“It’s all about the kids,” she said. “They’ve put in the time, effort and hard work.” 

Tickets for “The Nutcracker” start at $21, plus fees. All attendees, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Lap children are not permitted for the performances. 

Tickets: https://26458.recitalticketing.com/r/3764/51973 

    Abbi Martin and Tyson Beckett dance together in preparation for "The Nutcracker."
  

    Hydee Lyman holds a candy cane aloft during rehearsals for "The Nutcracker."