A beloved classic returns to Oak Harbor as The Ballet Slipper prepares to perform “The Nutcracker,” choreographed and directed by Diane Geragotelis. As the mistress of The Ballet Slipper Studio, Geragotelis has trained specific students for the difficult roles and has compiled a stunning corps de ballet as well as magnificent soloists.

Completed with rich, festive scenery and glorious costumes, this ballet remains timeless and yet new every year: the viewer will be transported into a magical land with 12 chimes of the clock and a sweep of Dr. Drosselmeyer’s hand. Beginning with a vivid party scene, the ballet presents every following dance with even more enthusiasm, including a lovely waltz of the snowflakes and a breathtaking Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier pas de deux. Viewers will be delighted by amazing lifts in the pas de deux and acrobatic feats performed in the Arabian and Russian dances.

Chelsea Kosbar, an 11-year-old student, will be playing the part of Clara and will thrill the audience with her expressive grace. This will be her fourth performance with The Ballet Slipper.

The roles of the Nutcracker and Cavalier will be danced by Meiko Parton, whose background of jazz dance and ballet will help him to portray these characters with true majesty. He is determined to top his last performance as the Nutcracker/Cavalier, which dazzled audiences last December.

Jacey Geragotelis will be partnering Parton as a delicate, ethereal Sugar Plum Fairy; her turns and jumps complete the radiant experience and add a special sweetness to the ballet. Geragotelis has been dancing since the age of 4.

The Ballet Slipper’s production of “The Nutcracker” has attractions for every kind of audience and has the advantage of being shown at the spacious Oak Harbor High School auditorium. In all, there will be seven performances: Dec. 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19. Evening performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 and both Saturdays. Also, on Saturdays and Sundays there will be matinees at 2 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at Bayview Embroidery/Whidbey Island Gifts, which is located at 890 SE Pioneer St. Children and senior tickets (up to 18 years and 65-plus) are sold for $10, while adults (age 19 to 64) are priced at $15.