One of the most beloved and enduring ballets in history is returning to the Grand Rapids stage in time for the holidays: Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker.

The Grand Rapids Ballet Company will be teaming up with the Grand Rapids Symphony to perform this masterful ballet that is inseparable from the Christmas season. A staple of any ballet company, The Nutcracker has been performed in West Michigan since before the GRBC existed. Its fanciful story of sugarplum fairies, a mouse king, dancing snowflakes and a Nutcracker that comes to life captivates audiences and sparks imaginations.

"Often, people are first introduced to ballet through The Nutcracker," said Misty Hendricks, marketing and box office director for the GRBC. "It's got great music, a fun story and those big scenes like the battle or the party scenes. It has a little something for everyone."

Premiering in 1892, more than a century of tradition has codified much of the choreography for The Nutcracker. Still Patricia Barker, artistic director at the GRBC, is planning a few surprises for the audience.

"I don't want to give it away, but this year we've put in some fun new things in the second act," Hendricks said. "Like in the Chinese scene we've added a new character and we've added in a few fun characters in the ethnic dance scenes."

The Nutcracker DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids Nov. 25-27, Dec. 9-11; show times at 2 and 7:30 p.m. $20-$53 grballet.com, (616) 454-4771

Though the beauty of the dancers and choreography is certainly reason enough to attend, the GRS will be accompanying the dancers with Tchaikovsky's uplifting score that has become synonymous with the Christmas season.

"...it's like a two-for-one deal," Hendricks said. "Because of all the stores and shops, you know [the music] even if you don't think you know it."

What's special this year is the GRBC will salute armed forces. Every currently serving member of the armed forces that presents their military ID at the box office will receive two complimentary tickets to any performance they choose. On Military Appreciation Day (Nov. 25) at the matinee, the GRBC will recognize the service of the members of the military in the lobby before the show.

The Nutcracker is second in a series of three holiday-themed productions, bookended by Dracula (October) and Amoré and More (February).

Photo: Andrew Terzes