POCATELLO — The Alliance Academy of Dance is set to perform its annual production of “The Nutcracker,” which has become a staple of the Christmas season for the Gate City.

Beth Moore, who directs the production along with her husband Sergiu Brindusa, said this would be the 19th year the studio has performed the ballet.

“We’re returning to (Idaho State University’s) Frazier Hall,” she said about next week’s “Nutcracker” performances. “It’s been about three or four years since we’ve been there. We’re fortunate that we were able to return to Frazier.”

Moore said another exciting part of this performance is that one of their former students, Carson Willey, will be returning to dance as a guest performer.

“We’re very proud of him,” she said. “He’ll definitely bring some excitement to the performance.”

Sergiu Brindusa said there would be other professional dancers joining them this year, including another former student named Aubrie Holman.

“We never anticipated that we would get to enjoy the beauty and grace of those who pursued this professionally,” he said.

Brindusa said they always try to do something new with each performance. This year, they made some changes to the costumes.

“We always try to tweak them and make them better and better,” he said. “The audience member that has a keen eye might notice some things are different.”

Brindusa said the academy prides itself on how they teach their students to focus on their technique. He said their students put in a lot of effort and practice almost every day for the performance.

“All of the parts are meaningful from the start of the music until the final note,” he said.

Moore said their students start practicing for “The Nutcracker” in September. They have students as young as 5, and all of them have to put in hard work and dedication.

“Even in a small town, we have talented dancers,” she said. “You can see in their eyes that it’s something they want to do.”

Performances will be held on Dec. 19, 20 and 21. There will be a performance at 7 p.m. each night and one at 2 p.m. on Dec. 20 and 21.

All performances will be held at Idaho State University’s Frazier Hall. Tickets can be purchased at allianceacademyofdance.com.