For many, “The Nutcracker” is an essential part to their holiday festivities. As such, the School of Theatre & Dance will host four performances from November 11 through 14.

It is important to note that the show takes place at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., instead of at the usual venue of the Stevens Building.

However, bumped up ticket prices of $10 for students and an off-campus venue seemed to have done little to hinder the amount of attendees.

Opening night on Thursday evening left over half of the main-level seats filled.

The performance begins with a pretty, almost Victorian-style scenery on Christmas Eve. Alas, there is no real Christmas tree. All the children running around were adorable and the chaos of getting the house ready ought to feel familiar to a majority of the audience members.

Intricate and entertaining dance moves fill the second half of the performance. Most of which are lively, but a few are simply beautiful to watch.

Simply put, there is always something going on onstage. Often times, there is an individual or group on the side never sitting idly, always reacting to the main source of attention. At times it can feel like watching a two-ring circus, leaving you wondering where to focus your attention.

The costumes were beautiful—especially the women’s costumes in the beginning, but all of those worn in the second act are so well-done that they look like they were snatched right out of a storybook. The rat masks may appear creepy at first, but the wiggling and dancing of the characters (including doing “the wave” to cheer on their king) helps balance it out.

Not being a frequent ballet attendee, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the skill of all of the performers. The program reveals that many of the actors and actresses have been dancing and performing since they were young, and their level of practice and expertise will not fall short on the audience. All in all, their talent leaves me floored.

Undoubtedly, those involved with the production made full use of pyrotechnics and fog. The fog cascading off the stage, “boom” from the cannonball and flashes when items disappeared ought to keep audience members alert and entertained. However, the snow falling from the ceiling takes the cake—helping to create the winter atmosphere required for “The Nutcracker.”

At first, I was a bit skeptical of how well the Egyptian’s stage would suit this performance since the columns might obstruct the view. Be forewarned: those on the right side of the stage may have a difficult time viewing the entire scene, especially the fireplace.

For a vast majority of the dance numbers, all the performers were in-sync and timed up perfectly.

The music for this ballet is classic. If the story behind it doesn’t bring back fond holiday memories, then the music will for sure.

If retail stores playing Christmas music and selling holiday décor is not enough to get you into the holiday spirit, give “The Nutcracker” a shot. An NIU retelling of this classic story is likely to warm your heart and beg for the holiday season to arrive.