WELSVILLE — The holiday ballet “The Nutcracker” returns to the David A. Howe Public Library with performances Dec. 8-9 in the Nancy Howe Auditorium.

The Genesee Dance Theatre’s production includes performances by professional ballet dancers from around the country, joining a cast of local dance students and even some Wellsville children as mice.

Sarah Keeler, director and choreographer of the production since 2014, said audiences can expect “the familiar charm of the traditional holiday ballet” along with a few creative twists. “We have a few surprises up our sleeves, including some cool new special effects and beautiful custom-designed costumes.” 

Analia Farfan returns to the stage as a guest artist again this year. Farfan is currently performing with the Asian Cultural Symphony of The USA, the American Liberty Ballet, as a principal dancer and she is the official choreographer and principal dancer of Athena Music Foundation.

She is joined by Cristian Laverde König, who has been a soloist for The Ballet Nacional de Cuba, Ballet de Cali, Hartford Ballet and Ballet Internationale and has served as principal dancer for the Maximum Dance Company, the Milwaukee Ballet and the Slovak National Ballet, and is currently a freelance artist in New York City.

“This is a rare opportunity for our rural communities to enjoy the talent of dancers who have performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages,” Keeler said. “We’re thrilled for the opportunity to share the magic of ballet with new and returning audiences.” 

Wellsville performances, set for 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and 2 p.m. Dec. 9 are free to the public with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts.

Seating is first come, first serve and doors open 30 minutes prior to show time. Additional ticketed performances will be held at The Genesee Dance Theatre in Perry on Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

For more information, visit geneseedance.com.