The Festival Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, first performed in 1988, has become a holiday tradition in Denton and the surrounding areas. Known for its creativity and clarity of story line, this retelling adheres to the long established classical ballet tradition. Mr. Nini’s version of the story - of a little girl, her favorite Christmas gift, toys brought to life, and faraway places - also weaves a thread of magic from the opening musical notes to the final curtain. This production, utilizing a cast of about 200 area dancers, provides the dancers with a professional performance experience that serves as preparation for possible future careers in dance. Even the youngest, at the age of five, benefit from the early training provided by their participation. On occasion they have even been known to steal the show, momentarily, from their fellow cast members and role models at the pinnacle of the professional world. The Nutcracker is presented each December, with the help of The Denton Benefit League and The Greater Denton Arts Council, The Texas Arts Guild, Access 1st Capital Bank and Target, at the Margo Jones Auditorium on the Texas Woman’s University campus. Dancers for the cast are chosen through open auditions held in August at Texas Woman’s University, and in September at The Denton Ballet Academy.