Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT) celebrates its 29th production of the classic holiday ballet, “The Nutcracker,” with more than 100 talented dancers.

This year, there is a fantastic addition. RDT will also present “Let’s Go Nutz!,” an evening of holiday jazz, 7 p.m. Dec 9, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown. Professional musicians Bill Washer, Cliff Tracy, Dave Leonhardt and others will join RDT dancers on the Miller Symphony Hall stage where they will perform jazzy versions of “Nutcracker” songs and other holiday tunes.

RDT artistic directors, Jennifer Haltzman Tracy and Trinette Singleton, decided to create a festive event that would embrace the Lehigh Valley’s love of jazz.

In an interview, Haltzman Tracy says that millennials and the young business crowd are seeking something new. “We thought, what could we do to make ‘Nutcracker’ different this year? Yet we didn’t want to move away from our traditional show.”

In collaboration with the Lehigh Valley Chorus, and Tap Ties, performers will present arrangements set to “Nutcracker” music that feature Fosse-style dance, tap, modern and swing. The Community Music School Saxophone Quartet will entertain guests during a light fare and cash bar reception prior to the performance (separate ticket required).

“The dancers are really excited,” says Haltzman Tracy. “It’s a lot of work for them. They have two ‘Nutcrackers’ to prepare for. But it’s really going to be fun.”

RDT has always striven to promote downtown Allentown. “We hope to partner with local restaurants who will give patrons who have come to see the ‘Nutcracker’ an incentive to go to their restaurants,” says Haltzman Tracy. “We hope to continue the momentum of patrons visiting our wonderful establishments downtown.”

RDT will perform the traditional “Nutcracker” ballet, 2 p.m. Dec 10, 11, Miller Symphony Hall, featuring the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ronald Demkee, and the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts Choir, conducted by David MacBeth. “The Land of the Sweets Party” is immediately after the Dec. 10 matinee.

“We’re not so set on choreography that has been in place for years,” says Haltzman Tracy. “We make sure that [the show] doesn’t get stale. We change certain things based on the dancers involved, and present our dancers in the best light.”

Returning professional guest artists Madeline Jazz Harvey and Mathew Harvey from Carolina Ballet Theatre will play the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier.

“Madeline and Matthew make sure that their schedules include RDT’s ‘Nutcracker,’” says Haltzman Tracy. “Every time they come back, they keep it fresh. They change things to make it more exciting and different.

“As you grow as a person, your dancing also grows. Since they are married, there’s such a special chemistry [between them.] They’re such down-to-earth humble performers and that comes across to the audience.”

Daniel Mayo, from Ballet X, will dance in the Arabian Divertissement. Felicia Cruz, RDT alumni and Co-Artistic Director of DanceSpora, will play the Snow Queen. Melissa Kropf, RDT alumni and DanceSpora dancer, will play the Marzipan Princess.

Haltzman Tracy says returning dancers make the performances enchanting and inspire evolving talent. “They grew up with RDT and come back to dance with us as professionals. It’s so nice that the people that perform with us want to be back. That makes your heart warm.”

In addition to exquisite choreography, there are beautiful costumes, a magical growing tree, sword fights and snowfall.

Kids and adults can enjoy a feast of sweets and a chance to mingle with the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King and others at the “Land of The Sweets Party” after the Saturday matinee (separate ticket required). Dancers will sign autograph books, pose for pictures and help children with crafts. There will even be a visit from Santa Claus. The party makes for a great afternoon. “It’s just as much fun for the dancers as for the children.”

A professional dancer used to play Dew Drop, but this year, 15-year-old RDT student, Elizabeth Marlin, will perform the role. Alexis Haltzman Tracy performs again this year, as lead in the Chinese dance. Cainan Weber, an RDT alum who now studies at the School of American Ballet, New York City, returns to partner with Tara Das. Luke Csordas returns to partner with Gabrielle Acampora, who plays Clara.

Dancers will perform the Trepak (Russian dance). “[It is] so absolutely incredible. The way the gentlemen perform that role … is spellbinding. The dancers get better year after year. To see them succeed is so rewarding for us.”

RDT’s Talent Identification Program awards dance scholarships to inner-city youth and these dancers make up almost one-third of the production. “They are so excited to be onstage. For some, it is their first year,” says Haltzman Tracy.

RDT pre-professional dancers, along with children and adults from the community, round out the cast.

Haltzman Tracy says she loves the opportunity to showcase ballet via school field trips that allow students to experience a full production, see the sets, ask the dancers questions and hear an orchestra.

“Our school performances are basically sold-out. The teachers and students are so appreciative. Eighty percent are coming at no charge.

“We’re thrilled to be able to help support the schools in Allentown.”

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