DOVER — The annual holiday classic “The Nutcracker” returns to the Dover High School Theatre courtesy of The Ballet Theatre of Dover today at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m.

It is a timeless tale of how one Christmas Eve, a young girl saves the life of a nutcracker prince who has been transformed into an ugly doll, thus breaking a long-standing spell. As a reward, he takes her on a magical journey to his home, the Kingdom of Sweets, where there is a big celebration.

Trinity August, 17, a senior at Dover High will lead the cast in the dual role of Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy. The dual role is a tricky one to manage for any dancer. Clara is a young girl on the brink of adolescence who has a youthful innocence tinged with a mischievous childlike playfulness. When transformed into the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara has to exude confidence as she dances with the prince whom she has loved as an ugly nutcracker doll.

The role of the Snow Queen will be shared by dancers Amanda Tedesco, 17, a senior at Caesar Rodney High School, and Hailey Seale, 16, a sophomore at North Caroline High School.

Guest dancer Gregory Tyndall, will be dancing the role of the nutcracker prince.

Mr. Tyndall, 32, of Atlanta, began his formal dance training at the age of 14. He has trained with various schools across the country including The Atlanta Ballet, The Kirov Academy in Washington, The Rock School for Dance Education, Nashville Ballet and The Cincinnati Ballet.

Other primary roles will be danced by Lauren Miles as DewDrop, Georgina Dixon and Delaney Hammond will alternate in Spanish Chocolate, and Hailey Seale and Ashley Klotz will share the role of Arabian Coffee. Chinese will be danced by Ciara Coley, Macy Friend and Sarina Forston. Jane Marie Beugre and Riley Vinson will share the role of Chinese Boy. Other dancers of the school and members of the community ranging in age from 8 to 76 will be dancing in the production.

In the story, at midnight, Clara defends her nutcracker doll against an army of rats. With the death of the king, Clara breaks the spell and a young prince stands before her, risking her life to save him.

In gratitude, he takes her on a journey to the Kingdom of Sweets through the Land of Snow. At the Kingdom of Sweets, they are greeted by the Candy Canes, the Gingerbread House (Bo Bons, Gumdrops, Ribbon Fairy, gingerbreads, the chef), characters from Spain (Chocolate), Arabia (Coffee), China (Chinese), Marzipans and a whole meadow of wildflowers, who celebrate the return of their prince and the girl who saved him.

Clara dances with the prince and the characters of the kingdom. At the end, Clara wakes up in her chair in the drawing room. Was it all a dream or a glimpse into her future?

For Ballet Theatre of Dover Artistic Director Teresa Emmons, this is her 28th year of doing “The Nutcracker” with the ballet theatre.

Dover High School is on Del. 8 in Dover. The entrance to the theater is behind the building.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and students and $15 for children 10 and below.

They are available at www.onthestage.tickets/show/dance-conservatoryballet-theatre-of-dover.Tickets can also be purchased at the box office the day of the show.

Meet your favorite characters from the ballet, enjoy an array of edible delights, including familiar ones from the Kingdom of Sweets and activities at the Nutcracker Tea from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Dover High School Food Court.

For more information, visit Dancebtd.com or facebook.com/dancebtd.