MICE AND MORE: The Dance Connection presents a one-hour version of “The Nutcracker,” with young cast members, at Kelsey Theatre from December 19 to 21.

Dolls and sweets come to life, mice and toy soldiers battle, and snowflakes dance in a snow-covered forest in the holiday classic ballet The Nutcracker, live and on stage in a family-friendly, abridged and narrated format at Mercer County Community College’s (MCCC) Kelsey Theatre, December 19-21.

Presented by the Dance Connection, this version of the traditional Christmas ballet runs just over an hour. Set in 19th century Europe to the score by Tchaikovsky, the ballet is danced entirely by children and teens.

The Dance Connection of Hillsborough started in 2007 with a mission to bring dance to young people in Central New Jersey, and provide performance and training opportunities for aspiring dancers. The dancers range in age from 5 to 18, coming from communities throughout the region.

Showtimes are Friday, December 19 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, December 20 and 21 at 1 and 4 p.m. at the Kelsey Theatre, located on Mercer County Community College’s West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.

Tickets are $22 for adults, and $18 for children/students and seniors. Visit kelseytheatre.org.