It's a time-honored Christmas tradition worldwide, and in Lafayette, many look forward to The Nutcracker ballet every year.
This weekend, students from across Acadiana will grace the Heymann Center stage alongside professional ballerinas for the annual performance.
Landing the Arabian lead in The Nutcracker has been a dream for Ciera Johnson since the first time she saw the ballet.
"I was about six years old and the Arabian caught my eye because she was so flexible," Johnson says. "So that's a role I've always been interested in. And then whenever I found out I got it, I was super excited."
Getting to this point took hard work and dedication, not only from Johnson but also from her peers.
"I really look up to all the Arabians that were before me," says Johnson.
Grace Hoffpauir danced this role in the 2018 Nutcracker performances and was thrilled to pass the baton to a younger dancer.
"We're one big family," explains Hoffpauir, "and I think we all work really hard to make it open and welcoming to everyone who comes in."
During Christmas, that inclusiveness draws dancers from studios across Acadiana and professionals from all over the country to bring the magic of the Nutcracker to life.
"We really do have so much talent in our community. It's really impressive. Especially for people who come in for the Nutcracker. I'm always so impressed by their abilities," says Hoffpauir, standing alongside fellow veteran dancer, Camille Reaux.
"Having something like the Nutcracker where everyone can come together despite where you're dancing and have this platform for everyone to showcase their talent really says something for Lafayette as a community," says Reaux.
Performances will be Saturday, December 14 at 7:00 pm and Sunday the 15 at 2:00 pm.