TAMPA — For the 17th straight year in Tampa, the Jansen Dance Project will present “Goin’ Nuts,” a modern-day twist on the classic “The Nutcracker” ballet.

Troy and Kristen Jansen founded the Jansen Dance Project. Troy Jansen also wrote “Goin’ Nuts,” a contemporary re-imagining of “The Nutcracker,” almost 20 years ago. For the past 17 years, the studio’s student dancers have performed it around the holidays.

“His inspiration was taking the classic ballet and making it a modern-day, contemporary version that we can laugh about during the holiday season,” said Jacqueline Jansen, Troy Jansen’s daughter and the musical theater program director at the Jansen Dance Project.

In this version, a father dreams about dancing turkeys, football players and a trip to New York City. He ultimately learns a lesson about appreciating the family around him.

Jacqueline Jansen has performed in the musical every year it has been in production. She’s now passing her knowledge on to the 7th through 12th graders in the studio’s pre-professional tier.

“I’ve never met students who are so passionate about musical theater in general,” Jacqueline  Jansen said. “One of the closest-knit groups – I absolutely adore working with them. They are so respectful, so joyful, eager to be here but also eager to learn.”

The Jansen Dance Project will perform “Goin’ Nuts” on Saturday, Nov. 16. There are two performances (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd., Tampa, FL 33647).

You can buy tickets at www.JansenDance.com