Photo by Deb Gau Emily Soehl, as the Snow Princess, dances in a wintry scene from the Prairie Dance Alliance’s presentation of “The Nutcracker.”

MARSHALL — A classic holiday ballet returns to the stage this weekend, with dancers and actors of all ages bringing the show to life.

The Prairie Dance Alliance is presenting “The Nutcracker” at the Schwan Community Center for the Performing Arts at Marshall High School, with performances starting tonight. Performances are at 7 p.m. today and Saturday, and at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“We’re really excited. We’ve been practicing since July,” said Breanna Thompson, one of the two choreographers for she show.

“The Nutcracker” has become a holiday tradition in the area. In the past, the Prairie Dance Alliance has presented the ballet once every other year, but this year’s show was delayed by the COVID pandemic, said choreographer Annie Deutz. Deutz said the community seemed to be looking forward to the ballet’s return.

“I think the excitement this year is showing,” she said. “We’re hoping for a full audience.”

The story of the ballet follows Clara, a girl who receives a nutcracker doll as a Christmas gift from the mysterious toymaker Herr Drosselmeyer. Clara and the nutcracker go on to battle an army of mice and rats, and visit the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets.

The Prairie Dance Alliance’s production of “The Nutcracker” brings together a cast of area dancers and actors with professional principal dancers. This year, principal dancers Christine Emi Sawyer and Jayson Douglas will play roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

The role of Clara will be played by Kylee Loyson and Halle Roos. The two dancers will be in different performances, with Roos performing in the afternoon shows and Loyson in the evening shows.

Dancers said they have been practicing and preparing for this weekend’s performances since this summer.

“It’s impressive how much work the dancers have put into it,” said Matt Suby. Suby is playing a party guest at the beginning of the show.

Suby and Lauren Winn said the ballet is a big undertaking, especially for the dancers.

“But it’s been a lot of fun,” Winn said.

“It’s really fun to be able to be a part of it because it’s a really big show we have in Marshall,” said dancer Kaitlyn Rosenboom. Rosenboom and Ava Grannes were playing two of Clara’s friends at the Christmas party, as well as other roles in different parts of the show.

“Being Clara’s friend is really fun,” Grannes said. She said the dancers get a chance to interact with people and do some acting as well as dancing.

“My favorite part is doing the dancing,” said Rylee Anderson. Anderson said she was playing a soldier and a flower in different parts of the ballet.

Grannes said performing in “The Nutcracker” was a different experience than a dance recital. In addition to family and friends, there are a lot more people who come to see the performance.

“It’s fun having an audience watch you after all the work,” Rosenboom agreed.