More than 100 dancers of all ages are on stage at Northern Arts and Cultural Centre (NACC) tonight and tomorrow for Bella Dance Academy's first ever production of the Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker.

The ambitious performance is set against a sophisticated and colourful animated set designed by Brian Wainwright.

Emma Tilden dances in the starring role as Clara, a young girl who is whisked into a fantastical world of mysterious characters by a crowd of mice.

There she battles the Mouse King, played with dramatic flourish by Shayna Burton, alongside her beloved Nutcracker, played by the athletic and graceful Nathan Bridges.

Elaborate costumes inspired by 19th century Russia and complicated choreography by director Lina Ball fill this dynamic stage spectacle.

"The Nutcracker is a classic for all ages," said Sugar Plum Fairy Hannah Grogono prior to Tuesday's rehearsal at NACC.

The shows run at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday with an additional matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday.