One ballet academy will welcome in a pair of special guests for their annual holiday tradition.

East Tennessee Youth Ballet and Academy will present “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 2 and 7p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10, at 2:30 p.m. inside the Gregory Center at Milligan College.

A regular mainstay with the community, the performance will include guest artists Sarah Walburn and Anthony Savoy from the American National Ballet to perform the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

Cindy Bernshausen, East Tennessee Youth Ballet and Academy director, added the ability to have two well-renown performing with students will serve as inspiration for future progression in the performing arts.

Walburn brings a bevy of experience to the stage after receiving her earlier training under Marcia Dale Weary of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Walburn also worked with the Kansas City Ballet, Washington Ballet and Ballet Arizona prior to joining the American National Ballet

Savoy trained under Abigail Francisco and with Pointe Park University. In 2012, Savoy joined Dance Theatre of Harlem and in 2016, he joined the Complexions Contemporary Ballet.

Tickets are $12.00 for Students and $16.00 for Adults and can be purchased at Bear N Friends in Johnson City and the Elizabethton Carter County Public Library. For more information call (423) 512-1722 or at easttennesseeballetacademy.com

While spreading Christmas cheer in part of the plan, Bernshausen said the Nutcracker performances serve as a tradition and often is the first ballet residents will have a chance to see.

The Nutcracker, a holiday ballet for the whole family, opens with a young Clara on Christmas Eve. Her beloved Uncle Drosselmeyer gives Clara the gift of a Nutcracker. The adventure begins as the Nutcracker battles the Rat King and then leads Clara through the Snow to the Land of the Sweets where dancers from around the world entertain Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. The festivities culminate with the grand pas de deux performed by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

Scott Elliott of the Johnson City Community Theatre will play the role of Clara’s Uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer.

A unique addition to this year, according to Bernshausen, is that there are three different Clara performers. The role of Clara will be danced by Lilia Taylor on Saturday at 2:00, Cassidy Lubag Saturday 7:00 p.m. and Ella Gardner on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

“We’re excited about these performances,” she said. “Each Clara brings something different to their performance.”

Bernshausen said that the night will be a growth compared to others will several students taking part in the festivities.