Indiana Youth Ballet takes to the stage tonight for its 13th annual production of The Nutcracker, a ballet by children for children that continues through Sunday in the Milton Payton Performing Arts Center at Crete-Monee High School, 1515 W. Exchange Ave., Crete.

This holiday classic has become a tradition for families around the world, telling the story of a young girl named Clara and her special gift, a beautiful Nutcracker that opens up a fantasy world where holiday candies and toys come to life.

The 160 performers for The Nutcracker reside throughout Northwest Indiana and the south suburbs of Chicago and are students of many area dance studios, including the School of Indiana Youth Ballet. Featured performers include Hannah Katz of Crown Point and Karley Woodson of Merrillville, among others.

School performances attended by students will be offered at 10 a.m. and noon today and Friday. Senior citizen groups are also invited to attend these shows. School show tickets are $5 each and are still available. They may be purchased by calling (219)

922-9331 or e-mailing Indiana Youth Ballet at indianayouthballet2@yahoo.com.

Public performances are set for 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased by calling the School of Indiana Youth Ballet at (219) 922-9331 or the Crete Park District (708) 672-6969, or at the door.

- For The Times