COLUMBUS (WCMH) – Nothing ushers in the holiday season quite like the classic ballet “The Nutcracker.” Columbus’ own BalletMet will perform the holiday favorite from Dec. 9 to Dec. 24 at the Ohio Theatre.

This season, 11-year-old Molly Rainford-Dreibelbis will play the role of Clara, the girl who defeats the Mouse King in order to save her nutcracker prince and dances with the Sugar Plum Fairies.

“I’ve been dancing for nine years, since I was two, but I came to BalletMet when I was five,” Molly said. “It’s just a really big honor. I’m excited to be on stage.”

Ambre Emory-Maier, BalletMet’s Director of Education and Associate Director of BalletMet2, says that even if you haven’t seen a ballet before, “The Nutcracker” is worth your while.

“For a lot of people, the first ballet they ever see is Nutcracker,” Emory-Maier said. “It’s a big story ballet that we do. It’s traditionally done throughout the United States. At BalletMet, it’s our way to connect with the community and get them involved in the Ohio Theatre.”

The dancers aren’t the only artists performing in the show. The Columbus Symphony will perform the ballet’s score live during the performances.

You can purchase tickets for this season’s performance of “The Nutcracker” on BalletMet’s website.