The story/ballet begins at a Christmas party given by Clara's and Fritz's parents. Honored guest Herr Drosselmeyer brings gifts for the children. Clara's gift is a strange and wonderful nutcracker. While playing, Fritz and his friends break Clara's beloved nutcracker. The children are sent to bed at the end of the evening's festivities. Worrying about her poor broken nutcracker, Clara cannot sleep and creeps back  down to the great hall where the adventure begins. . . . The Christmas tree expands magically and the toys spring to life!  Mice come running out of all corners and suddenly form an army led by the ferocious Mouse King.  They challenge a company of toy soldiers led by Carla's nutcracker.  Just when it seems all is lost for the nutcracker and his troops, Carla flings her slipper at the Mouse King. The battle is won and the nutcracker becomes a handsome prince who leads Carla to his magic kingdom.  On the way they are transported through the magic forest to the kingdom of sweets where the Sugar Plum Fairy greets them. The Sugar Plum Fairy leads Carla and the Prince to the palace, where they are seated on the Royal Throne, and entertained.  A number of dances are presented for them--An Arabian dance, a  Russian dance, a Chinese dance and many others. The entire company  joins in the final waltz. Clara dreams she lives happily ever after with the Prince in the enchanted kingdom