Just in time for Christmas, Ventura College is preparing for the fifth annual production of Tchaikovsky’s most famous holiday ballet, The Nutcracker.

Performed by the All American Ballet Company (AABC) of Ventura, The Nutcracker will be at the Ventura College Theater Dec. 21-23.

This year, the All American Ballet’s Nutcracker will feature new choreography by Sayat Asatryan and Olga Tchekachova, the company’s Russian born-and-trained directors and choreographers.

“The Nutcracker is one of the great ballets of our time,” said Camille Wallace, president of the board for the AABC. “It’s a great classic, exciting, beautiful music, and wonderful dancing.”

As the ballet opens, we meet Clara and Fritz, the children of wealthy parents hosting a Christmas party. The children receive gifts, but Clara gets a special wooden nutcracker.

Fritz, in a fit of jealousy, breaks the wooden nutcracker, bringing Clara to tears. Everyone goes to sleep, but Clara awakens to giant mice, which proceed to attack her. Life-sized toy soldiers come to Clara’s rescue, lead by the magnificent gallant Nutcracker.

The King Rat attacks the Nutcracker, but the Nutcracker prevails and turns into a prince.

Clara and the Nutcracker ride off in an enchanted sleigh to the Kingdom of Sweets.

The second act opens when they arrive in the Kingdom of Sweets, and the Sugar Plum Fairy arranges the entertainment.

The performances are slated for Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 22 at 5:30 p.m., and Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $12-$24. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $100 each, and include an authentic Russian gift.

“A combination of student actors, pre-professional and professional guest artists make up the cast,” said Wallace. “It’s a wonderful holiday activity.”

The Nutcracker is a ballet written in two acts by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky written in 1891.

The production will feature lavish sets and gorgeous new sets, according to Elaine Nestrerick, AABC’s vice president of the board.

This is the sixth year that VC has hosted the AABC’s performance of The Nutcracker.

“Ventura College is the best venue and it’s a nice facility,” said Wallace. ” It’s much more exciting to see something live on stage.”