Chances are at one point in your life, you were either in “The Nutcracker” or you know someone who was. With a 50-foot Chinese dragon, a Russian bear, natives from the Kingdom of Sweets and Tchaikovsky’s score — compliments of the Richmond Symphony — “The Nutcracker” is a perennial international collaboration. Mining the talent of dozens of up-and-coming dancers each year, The Richmond Ballet continues to populate the world with dancing mice and toy soldiers. Treat the family to a matinee or evening performance, Dec. 14-23 at the Landmark Theater. Tickets are $18-$100. Call 262-8003 or visit www.richmondballet.com.