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MARQUETTE -- A classic Christmas production is returning to Marquette. Dancers have been hard at work at several rehearsals, putting together 'The Nutcracker Ballet.'

The show was last performed in Marquette in 2010.

"This year we're doing more traditional ballet and a little bit of modern in the dances," said director, Camilla Mingay.

It is her third time leading this ballet in Marquette. She is guiding one hundred dancers of all ages.

"The Marquette folk dancers will be in the show as well as the 'Balladinas,' and some NMU students, as well," Mingay said. "We have the best dancers that are joined together in one production."

"Everybody teaches everyone something," said dancer Michael Skrobeck.

He plays the role of 'The Nutcracker' in the production. The NMU theatre student held the same role two years ago.

"Who doesn't love a classic?" he asked. "And the Nutcracker is probably the ultimate classic ballet."

Mingay said the audience will really enjoy the show's battle scene because it combines dancers and martial artists.

"There's something called Kappa Wara, which is a martial arts form of dance, so we're taking in some of those categories," she said. "Something else we're doing differently, in the Russian candy cane dance, we're adding gymnastics to it."

The production also will include some local celebrities in the roles of Mother Ginger and Clara's parents.

'The Nutcracker' will be performed next Friday, November 30 at 7:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, December 1 at 1:00 p.m. at Kaufman Auditorium in Marquette.

Advanced tickets for youth and students are $8, $10 for seniors, and $12 for adults. Tickets can be purchased in advance at all NMU EZ Ticket outlets. They will also be available at the door.