The Panama City Ballet will host a children’s tea party and an afternoon lecture at Florida State University Panama City in advance of its Dec. 8-10 performance of “The Nutcracker.”

The “Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party” for children will be from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, in the Holley Academic Center at FSU Panama City, 4750 Collegiate Drive. The event will include a chance to meet dancers from the “The Nutcracker” cast; enjoy a mini-performance and a meet-and-greet with the Sugar Plum Fairy (dancer Stacy Graham) and other characters; and unlimited photos in the photo booth. Refreshments will include cotton candy, popcorn, a souvenir cookie and more. 

In addition, artist Matt Miller will present a live painting demonstration for a piece of artwork that will go up for bid. The event is a fundraiser for the ballet, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Tickets to the tea party are $20 for adults, $15 for the first child and $10 for each additional child. Tickets may be purchased at PanamaCityBallet.com.

After the tea party, Panama City Ballet will present a lecture and discussion about the “The Nutcracker” from 3:30-5 p.m. in the Holley Center Lecture Hall. As part of the ongoing FSU PC Illumination series, the lecture will be open to the public and free to attend. 

FSU PC is committed to providing a comprehensive calendar of events, workshops and forums throughout the year that encourages the community to engage in meaningful conversations and educational opportunities. The Illumination series provides opportunities to hear different viewpoints and learn from the presenters’ unique experiences. For more information, as well as a complete list of upcoming Illumination events, visit the FSU PC Illuminations Events Series.

Panama City Ballet is working to rekindle tradition with an all-local production of “The Nutcracker,” featuring performers from area dance studios. The ballet will perform at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 9, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 10, in the Helen Blackburn Arnold Auditorium at Arnold High School in Panama City Beach. For tickets and further information, visit PanamaCityBallet.com.