WATCH: PNB students audition for 'final' season of iconic 'Nutcracker'

SEATTLE -- The iconic Stowell & Sendak production of Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker is in its 31st and final season. For decades, families have made this show a holiday tradition; and for the PNB students who get to dance in it, it's a huge honor.

We were there as the company held auditions for the 300-ish PNB students, ages 8 to 18, for 200 spots in this year's show. The students join professional dancers from the repertory for a production that has impressed generations! Watch the video to see how the audition process works (and hear from the talented students themselves)!

But do NOT fret: Nutcracker is NOT going away! As PNB Artistic Director Peter Boal told us, "We're going to... do a repainting. It's going to get a face lift, with new sets and new costumes! Choreography slightly different, but the same story line; still based on that E.T.A. Hoffman tale, and still enchanting for children of all ages."

In 2015, PNB will present George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, with brand spanking-new costumes and sets by Ian Falconer, a children's author and illustrator. Sure, it will be a slightly different version of a holiday tradition; but it promises to be filled with the same magic and talent we come to expect from all things PNB!

This last and final Stowell/Sendak Nutcracker kicks off its farewell season on November 28th and runs through December 28th, with performances at Seattle's McCaw Hall. For tickets and more info, click HERE.