The stage at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts will be alive with a sugar plum fairy and dancing mice as A.V.A. Ballet Theatre presents its 15th annual Nutcracker Ballet on Dec. 11-13. A.V.A. Ballet Theatre's artistic director Alexander Van Alstyne has choreographed an exciting rendition of the popular holiday ballet and the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky's moving score. Principal dancers from professional ballet companies such as the San Francisco Ballet, Ballet West, and the Diablo Ballet will perform the leading roles along side a large cast of local talent. Nutcracker Ballet performances will be held Friday Dec. 11 at 8 p.m., Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Reno. Ticket prices for adults are from $26 to $51. Ticket prices for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and older are from $21 to $41. A special Sugar Plum party will be held after the Sunday afternoon performance where children can meet the characters. A.V.A. Ballet Theatre is the resident ballet company of the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. They are northern Nevada's largest company under the instruction of a professional faculty with years of performing experience in renowned metropolitan ballet and production companies across the United States and Europe. Mark your calendars now for this spectacular holiday tradition. For tickets call the Pioneer Center box office at (775) 686-6600 or on-line at pioneercenter.com. Box office hours are Monday through Friday 11a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call A.V.A. Ballet Theatre at (775) 762-5165 or on-line at avaballet.com or call the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts at (775) 686-6600.