And so it is "The Nutcracker" that, more than any other event of the ballet season, reminds us why dance is important – indeed, why art is important. Dance is beautiful. It’s joyful. It inspires.

The Milwaukee Ballet performs Michael Pink's The Nutcracker at the Marcus Center for the Performing Art through December 27. For further information or tickets, please visit www.milwaukeeballet.org ...

The Nutcracker cost £250, the wreath and festive arch cost £435 and took five hours to complete. Hannah, from Minehead, Somerset, said: "My door took all day. I have been planning it since February.

Look Ahead: “Nutcracker’s” last week; “Magical Cirque Christmas,” “Shrek: The Musical,” and the hybrid tribute band Pink Talking Fish.

On stage and in the seats, "The Nutcracker" is one of the biggest parties of the holiday season. The Milwaukee Ballet showed up this year in a sparkling new outfit that is sure to have guests buzzing.