“Repertory Dance Theater’s first production of ‘Nutcracker’ was performed in 1987, organized by my mother, Miss Dolly,” says Artistic Director Jennifer Haltzman, adding, “My mother laid an incredible foundation and here we are 37 years later.”

Repertory Dance Theater with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra presents “Nutcracker,” 2 p.m. Dec 7, 8, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown.

Allentown Symphony Orchestra Music Director-Conductor Diane Wittry reminisces, “I conducted RDT’s ‘Nutcracker’ for my first few years as conductor of the ASO and had the great fortune to work with Jennifer’s mother, Miss Dolly.

“With ASO Assistant Conductor Ron Demkee’s recent retirement, I once again have the privilege to now work with the next generation, Jennifer.”

Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was commissioned by the director and choreographer of the Moscow Imperial Theatres, Russia, to create a ballet based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 fairy tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.”

The ballet begins at a Christmas party where the host’s daughter is given a Nutcracker in the shape of an old man. Enamored by the gift, she is quite upset when the Nutcracker breaks. Unable to sleep, she looks in on her injured toy friend and finds that he and all the toys have come to life.

An army of mice appears and the Nutcracker leads the toys against the invaders. Clara kills the Mouse King with a shoe, and with this victory, the Nutcracker becomes a handsome young Prince, who whisks Clara to his kingdom, the Land of Sweets, where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The celebration of dances that follow includes familiar selections such as “Spanish Dance;” “Arabian Dance;” “Chinese Dance;” “Dance of the Reed Pipes” and “Waltz of the Flowers.”

Initially only performed in Russia to moderate success, it was not until the 1944 production by the San Francisco Ballet, which opened the ballet on Christmas Eve and continued through the winter season, that “Nutcracker” became a holiday tradition.

Says ASO Conductor Diane Wittry, “The greatest challenge for me as conductor is choosing the most musically-appropriate arrangement for a reduced orchestra of about 30 musicians.

“I found the William McDermott arrangement does great justice to the music and a few of our musicians have the opportunity to play more than one instrument.”

In addition to RDT’s professionally-trained dancers, the production has guest artists, including former RDT dancers: Children and adults from, the area complete the cast of the holiday event.

“I love the ‘Nutcracker’ because Tchaikovsky was truly a great composer and the music itself is so much fun,” says Wittry.

“And how do we keep the music and the dancers in sync? The secret: I watch the dancers’ feet to gauge the best tempo.”

Repertory Dance Theater, Allentown Symphony Orchestra, “Nutcracker,” 2 p.m. Dec 7, 8, Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown. Tickets: box office; 610-432-6715; https:///www.millersymphonyhall.org

“Classical View” is a column about classical music concerts, conductors and performers. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus Editor, pwillistein@tnon-line.com