International Ballet Theatre’s ”The Nutcracker” opens tonight at the Meydenbauer Theatre in Bellevue.

When young Clara is given a nutcracker on Christmas Eve, she finds herself swept up in an incredible adventure that includes dancing snowflakes, a battle with a mouse king and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy.

IBT’s performance of the holiday classic has been a tradition for families across the Eastside every December. Through the iconic music of Tchaikovsky and traditional Russian choreography by Vera Altunina, the show transplants its audience to the Land of Sweets along with Clara and the Nutcracker.

The ballet runs from tonight through Friday, Dec. 22. For show times and tickets, visit http://www.ibtbellevue.org/the-nutcracker or call 425-284-0444. The Meydenbauer Theatre is located at 11100 NE Sixth St., Bellevue.

Photo courtesy of International Ballet Theatre/Rex Tranter

Photo courtesy of International Ballet Theatre/Rex Tranter

Photo courtesy of International Ballet Theatre/Rex Tranter