Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT) of Allentown presents its 28th production of "The Nutcracker," 2 p.m. Dec. 13, 14, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown.

RDT's "Nutcracker" is a holiday tradition in the Lehigh Valley. "People come year after year to see it," says Artistic Director Jennifer Haltzman Tracy. "They like to see the different changes, and see the dancers evolve."

Haltzman Tracy believes the "Nutcracker" is for everyone. "You don't have to be a ballet expert to enjoy the 'Nutcracker,'" she says in a phone interview. "It's easy to understand. You can just sit back and enjoy the beauty of the dance."

The Allentown Symphony Orchestra provides the live score for the ballet. "They have been performing with us for 15 years now," says Haltzman Tracy. "Conductor Ron Demkee is fantastic."

More than 90 percent of the "Nutcracker" dancers are present or former RDT students. Matthew Harvey, a professional dancer with the prestigious Carolina Ballet Theatre in North Carolina, was trained by RDT and returns to perform as the Sugar Plum Cavalier in the "Nutcracker."

Harvey is a former student of RDT's Talent Identification Program, a dance scholarship program for local inner city youth.

"A lot of students come back," says Tracy. "It's a family here."

What makes RDT's "Nutcracker" different from other Lehigh Valley productions is the absence of the Snow King and Snow Queen roles."The Prince and Clara do the dancing. It's a very different take. It's more of a romantic pas de deux."

The Nutcracker Prince is played by 13-year-old Cainan Weber of Emmaus. "He is a very talented young man.

"This production showcases the dancers at what they do best. I'm just so proud of all the dancers. They work so hard to put this show together and make it look so easy. It's wonderful to see."

Tickets: Miller Symphony Hall Box Office, 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown; allentownsymphony.org; 610-432-6715