The color and pageantry of “The Nutcracker” came to life once again in a performance by ballet students.

Under the direction of Mary Ellen Leyendecker, ballet instructor for Dance Department at V.M.T and Laredo Ballet Theatre, the ballet was performed at the SAC on Saturday, Dec. 8, and at the country club on Sunday, Dec. 16.

“The ballet is performed to entertain audiences of all ages from all different backgrounds,” Leyendecker said.

The dancers who performed in “The Nutcracker” are ballet students of the V.M.T dance department and ballet students of the Laredo Ballet Theatre.

Rehearsals and preparations began in late September. The dancers practiced from 4:30-8:30 p.m. from September to November.

As the performance got closer practices became more demanding; dancers then began weekend practices as well as daytime hour rehearsals.

The lead roles for “Nutcracker” were Julio Rodriguez, former V.M.T dance student and current Laredo Ballet Theater member, as the prince and Azahy Ayala, a junior dance student at V.M.T, as Clara.

“I am very pleased with all the performances I have committed to,” Ayala said.

Ayala said she practiced many hours to make sure she was ready for every performance.

“Every second I practiced was definitely worth it because I feel that practices follow to dedication and create confidence in me, which shows in every performance,” Ayala stated.

Performing on stage as a lead role for the first time made Ayala nervous, but as soon as the light hit her she knew she would do just fine.

“Sometimes my stomach would get little tingles, but once I was on stage with all the lights on my face I was confident and proud to have a tremendous role in such a short time of ballet experience,” Ayala explained.