NATCHEZ — As the Christmas season draws near, the Natchez Ballet Academy will help spread the holiday spirit this weekend with the Academy’s 35th annual performance of “The Nutcracker.”

Academy owner Mignon Reid, who has directed the show for 15 years, said the holiday tradition premiered Wednesday evening.

The make-believe toys will dance to life again at 6 tonight, at 7 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday at Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center.

The traditional venue at Margaret Martin had been closed last year for maintenance and the show was moved to the Natchez City Auditorium.

“We are happy to be back at Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center,” Reid said.

Show tickets are $15 each and are available at the door, she said.

Attendees also have the option to join the cast in the “Land of Sweets” for an afternoon tea at 2 p.m. Saturday before the show. Package tickets to the tea and show Saturday are $20 each or $10 for the tea by itself, Reid said. Event proceeds will help the Natchez Ballet Academy to put on future productions, she said.

This year, the Land of Sweets tea will be hosted at chef Regina Charboneau’s Twin Oaks bed and breakfast on Homochitto Street, Reid said.

“Regina Charboneau has been kind enough to let us have our tea at Twin Oaks,” Reid said. “The Land of Sweets Tea Party is organized each year by the parents of our cast members. We will have games and crafts for the kiddos, and we also have door prizes, this year. … Those who attend can enjoy treats from the ‘Land of Sweets,’ will listen to a reading of the Nutcracker and can meet the cast.”

Reid said the cast members, who are ages 4 to 18 years old, have rehearsed with a professional dance instructor Anthony Newman every weekend since August.

“This is a professional-level ballet and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication on their part,” Reid said. “It’s a wonderful show and I am very proud of all of our performers. … This show is always fun for the whole family and a great way to kick start the holiday season and get into the holiday spirit.”