Every year about his time the dancers of the Royal City Youth Ballet descend upon Maple Ridge to perform everybody's favourite Christmas classic The Nutcracker.

This year, seven of those dancers hail from the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows area and have been cast in supporting roles.

Ruby Garrett, who is with Centre Stage Dance Studio, plays a soldier; Alexandra Ayley, who also dances at Centre Stage Dance Studio, is a horse rider; and Ashley Donnelly, who is with Peggy Peat School of Dance, takes on three roles: a big mouse, Trepack, and a maid.

The ballet by Tchaikovsky, has sets designed by Jean Claude Olivier and costumes by Chris Sinosich.

The Christmas classic includes the usual array of colourful characters: mice, a sugar plum fairy, and soldiers.

The Royal City Youth Ballet currently holds the distinction of being the longest running seasonal ballet performance in Canada and for the past 24 years has attracted young dancers from various dance schools around the Lower Mainland.

All of the dancers have been members of the company for two years or longer.

Royal City Youth Ballet company is a non-profit society dedicated to engaging young people and the arts. The company's focus is on building self-esteem, discipline, and other life skills.

The children interact with professionals who act as their mentors and the end result is a successful show which has with stood the test of time.

The artistic director Dolores Kirkwood was presented the Order of British Columbia in 2009 for her many years of service to the community.

But belonging to this prestigious arts company is not for the faint of heart.

The dancers, who range from six years of age and up, enter ballet boot camp early in September.

They rehearse long hours every weekend preparing for 21 shows, which take place at seven theatres throughout B.C.

There will be two Maple Ridge performances, the first at 1 p.m. and the second at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 25.

Tickets are available by calling 604-4762787, by going to www.theactmapleridge. org, or by going to the box office at The ACT in person.

THE NUTCRACKER

Royal City Youth Ballet presents the Christmas classic on Sunday, Nov. 25

Where: The ACT, 11944 Haney Pl. in Maple Ridge

When: There are two shows, one at 1 p.m. and the other at 4 p.m.

How much: Ticket prices vary but are available from www. theactmapleridge.org, or by calling 604-476-2787.