The stage of the Scottish Rite Cathedral in West Reading will once again be filled with waltzing snowflakes, dancing candy canes, and battling toy soldiers as Berks Ballet Theatre welcomes in-person audiences back to “The Nutcracker.”

Following a virtual performance in 2020, Berks Ballet will return to live performances this weekend, accompanied by the Reading Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Conductor Willis Rapp.

The classic tale being presented at 1 and 6 p.m. on Saturday and at 4 p.m. on Sunday brings the story of Clara and her beloved nutcracker to life through classical ballet and Tchaikovsky’s memorable, soaring score.

Berks Ballet’s artistic director, Kelly Barber, and its choreographer, Nathan Bland, have co-choreographed the ballet with 21 company dancers and students from Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance.

This year, the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy will be performed by Ellie Folga, a senior dancer at Berks Ballet. Her cavalier will be danced by New York artist Jace Coronado. On Broadway, Coronado has appeared in “West Side Story,” “Disney’s Aladdin,” “Guys and Dolls,” and “An American in Paris.” He has also performed with the New York Metropolitan Opera, Ballet Austin, Ballet Memphis, Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo, Neos Dance Theatre, New England Dance Theatre, Gleich Dances, Thomas/Ortiz Dance, Northeast Youth Ballet, Roxey Ballet, Ballet NY, Ballet Verite, and MorDance.

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