Dancing dolls and twirling treats will fill the Thurber Theatre as the Columbus Youth Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker.” This will be the fourth consecutive year that CYB brings the timeless holiday story of battles, rescues and celebrations to life.”More than 185 children and professional dancers are performing this year,” said Shir Lee Wu, founder and artistic director of the Columbus Youth Ballet. “We are very excited to have this talented cast,” Wu said. Joining the children on stage is this year’s professional guest Sean Kelly. Kelly has been a principal dancer with the Houston Ballet since 1985. He has also toured extensively both internationally and nationally. He will appear as the heroic Cavalier/Prince. Kelly was the guest choreographer-in-residence at CYB in October. Dancing alongside of Kelly will be Lesley Rausch, Katie Tuttle and Caroline Seely, who are all preparing for the coveted role of the Sugar Plum Fairy.”Lesley has just returned from ‘1998 Concours Internationale de Danse de Paris.’ It is a very prestigious competition, and this is her first performance after the competition,” Wu said. Both Tuttle and Seely also toured. Tuttle attended a workshop organized by the San Francisco Ballet, and Seely studied at the School of American Ballet in New York on scholarship.The Columbus Youth Ballet’s motto is “for children by children,” which captures the essence of why Wu started the school 12 years ago.”I wanted to combine a blend of grace, gesture, dynamics and motion,” Wu said. This recipe has worked well for Wu. She has received international invitations to the Taipei Theater Ballet, Hong Kong City Contemporary Dance Company and the British Rediffusion TV Company.The CYB’s yearly production of “The Nutcracker” has become a staple in Wu’s lineup. The shows slated for the Thurber Theatre will begin on Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. They will continue over the weekend Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10-$13.The “Nutcracker” will also be presented at the Hayes High School Performing Arts Center in Delaware on Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.For more information contact the Columbus Youth Ballet at 433-7090.