“Can I borrow your bobby pins?” This phrase, so often repeated, is well known for the dancers of the local production of “The Nutcracker.” These dancers auditioned in August, and shortly after receiving their parts they began practicing every week to be ready for Friday’s opening night.

“This year I’m in snow,” junior Cecelia Goesl said. “I’m excited because I get to be a part of a big core number and participate in it with dancers from other studios.”

Many dancers participate in the traditional “Nutcracker,” all from various dancing schools all over Texarkana. They’ve been training and honing their skills to showcase to the coming large audience.

“I’ve been in ‘The Nutcracker’ for eight years,” junior Hannah Williams said. “This year I am playing Mother Ginger, and I’m so excited since I’ve been dreaming about this part for a long time. The children are all so excited, sometimes they beg me to put on the skirt because they love it so much.”

“The Nutcracker” is an annual affair in Texarkana, and most of the dancers wait through years of being candy canes, soldiers and party scene children to finally work their way up to their dream role, much like Williams.

Performances of “The Nutcracker” will be at the Perot Theatre Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Visit www.trahc.org for more information or to purchase tickets.