The Pennsylvania Youth Ballet presents its 46th production of the Christmas ballet, "The Nutcracker," 1 and 4 p.m. Dec. 13 and 2 p.m. Dec. 14, Baker Theatre, Zoellner Arts Center, Lehigh University, Bethlehem.

"This is the longest running production of 'The Nutcracker' in the Lehigh Valley," says Jennifer Altemose, President of the Board of Directors of the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley, the umbrella organization of the Pennsylvania Youth Ballet School.

"The Ballet Guild has been a part of the Lehigh Valley for over 50 years," says Altemose in a phone interview. "We have been in the same location in historic Bethlehem for that entire time. The Ballet Guild is an amazing tradition for the Lehigh Valley and for Bethlehem."

Altemose is particularly proud of this year's production of "The Nutcracker." "Over 100 dancers will perform and over 80 area school children will sing in the choir during the show," says Altemose. "Our guest artists are from the world's finest ballet companies, including Elisabeth Holowchuk [in the Snow Queen role] of the Suzanne Farrell Ballet."

Four sold-out performances for more than 4,000 area school students were scheduled for Dec. 10, 11 and 12.

"We put on the full show for those performances. Nothing is cut. We provide busing free of charge and tickets for 1,200 students in Title One schools, and 200 children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton." Youths from Northeast Ministries are also to attend.

Artistic Director is Karen Kroninger Knerr. Music Director is Eugene Albulescu.

This year, all performances, including the school shows, will have a 48-piece orchestra, the Southside Sinfonietta, under the direction of Albulescu of Lehigh University.

About 50 area students will sing "Waltz of the Snowflakes" and holiday songs in the Zoellner lobby prior to each performance.

For this year's performance of "The Nutcracker," there will be a new Christmas tree that grows even taller than in years past.

"We have patrons who tell us the holiday season doesn't even begin until they see 'The Nutcracker,' says Altemose. "It is as much a part of Christmas for them as buying a Christmas tree."