NATCHEZ — For 26 years the Natchez Ballet Academy has been performing “The Nutcracker,” bringing enjoyment and a little bit of Christmas cheer to Miss-Lou residents.

This year will be no different as the Christmas ballet begins at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are $7 for orchestra seats; $10 for balcony seats, and are available at Natchez Ballet Academy, 64 Homochitto St.

The performance is an all local, all student cast, with the exception of the role of the Prince.

Cari Ainsworth, 17, a senior at Vidalia High School is the Snow Queen and Chinese Tea for the production and said the ballet takes a lot of hard work and preparation to perform.

“It’s a hard production to put on,” she said. “There is a lot to do, and it takes a lot of practice.”

Ainsworth said this is her second year to perform in “The Nutcracker” in Natchez and she enjoys putting on a show for people.

“I like to dance for people,” she said. “I love performing, especially ‘The Nutcracker’ because of the story that it tells.”

Sugarplum Fairy and Cathedral High School senior Catherine Myers has been dancing for 15 years and said she enjoys performing “The Nutcracker” because of the Christmas spirit behind the ballet.

“Once all of the productions are over, it is Thanksgiving break,” she said. “Christmas is always right around the corner, and the ballet helps me think of the upcoming holiday.”

Myers said she has been putting 10 hours of work a week practicing for “The Nutcracker” since August.

“It is very difficult,” she said. “I have spent the majority of my weekends up here practicing.”

Ballet Director Mignon Reid said there have been some changes to the production this year.

“The scenery is different, we have changed some of the characters and we have newer costumes. We just have new things happening,” she said. “We are looking forward to showing off the new items.”

Guest performer Anthony Neumann from Shreveport, La., is in his 17th year performing “The Nutcracker” in Natchez and said the dancers are not going to be holding back on the technical aspects of the ballet.

“We are trying to make it as difficult as possible,” he said. “We are trying to make the best show possible for people to come out and enjoy.”

Natchez High School freshman Clara Wimberly is in her sixth year of performing “The Nutcracker” and has the role of Clara in this year’s performance.

“I really like dancing and performing,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun, it’s a great story and it’s really good.”

Reid said using local students for the production is an added bonus to the production.

“It makes it extremely special for participants and their families,” she said. “It is always fun and exciting. Kids have a good time watching and performing. No one will be disappointed.”

Ainsworth said people should come out and watch the performance if they want to have a good time.

“There are a lot of awesome performances and it is a classic,” she said.

Myers said many people have a misconception of how ballet works.

“Everyone thinks ballet is boring, but they don’t realize how much effort gets put into it,” she said. “There is a storyline in it, people need to come out, sit down, pay attention and enjoy.”