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Sarah Williams dances with her daughter Alli Williams, 4, during the dress rehearsal for T'was the Night Before Christmas Wednesday at the Natchez City Auditorium. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Ava Walker has been dancing for 2 years and will be dancing as the "Good Fairy" in Middleton School's Dance T'Was The Night Before Christmas. "It requires a lot of determination and passion," Walker said. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Hank Marling dances with Grace Marling, 3, and Tori Marling Wednesday during the dress rehearsal for T'Was The Night Before Christmas at the Natchez City Auditorium. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Ava Walker is hugged by her friend, Charity Brady,during a dress rehearsal for T'Was The Night Before Christmas. Brady said she has gotten close to everyone she dances with. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Around 17 familes stand together after practicing their dance Wednesday at The Natchez City Auditorium. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

NATCHEZ — Middleton School of Dance will present its annual “’Twas The Night Before Christmas” performance at 7 tonight at Natchez City Auditorium, 207 Jefferson St.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and tickets are $10 each for the performance that features several different characters including Santa Claus, elves, reindeer, toy soldiers, the Grinch and more dancing on the stage.

Director Ann Gaude said by the end of the practices leading up to the performance the dancers become like family members.

“We have ups and downs,” Gaude said. “We become very close. We have good days and bad days and some days nothing goes right and some days we accomplish something that we’re just so proud of each other.”

Gaude said her students become like her children.

“I feel like these are my children,” Gaude said. “So you can see the closeness.”

Student, Elizabeth Doan, 14, said this is her second time performing in “’Twas The Night Before Christmas.”

“I think that everyone should try out for ballet, because I think it’s a new experience,” Doan said during final rehearsal Wednesday night. “I feel like Miss Ann sees what you can do and what you can accomplish, and she believes that you can do so much better.”

The culmination of the practicing is an hour-long performance involving 100 students. “We’re sure to put a smile on your face,” Gaude said. “You cannot leave after seeing all these precious children and not have a happy smile in your heart and on your face.”

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