The Nutcracker Suite & Spicy at The Aetna Theatre at The Wadsworth Atheneum

“The Nutcracker Suite & Spicy”—a rousing, toe-tapping, high-kicking spin on the classical ballet created, choreographed, and directed by Carolyn Paine and performed by CONNetic Dance is returning for its landmark 15th year to delight audiences Dec. 13-15, at the Aetna Theater at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, located at 29 Atheneum Square North in Hartford.

Set to a compilation of music inspired by Tchaikovsky’s original score, “The Nutcracker Suite & Spicy” fuses ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom and hip-hop techniques to breathe new life and imagination into the timeless tale.

Audiences of all ages this year are in for the usual memorable treats that “Suite & Spicy” has become known for including thedancing dog, the villainous breakdancing Rats, the hilarious and high energy “Ugly Sweater Party Scene,” the inventive and iconic “Snowball” scene. The show also features projections which immerse the audience in the world and create special effects, allowing characters to perform magic with jaw-dropping moments like an army of giant Nutcrackers, dancers flying in duets, and characters’ movement controlling swirling snow storms.