Behind the scenes of Oakland Ballet's Nutcracker

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- The Oakland Ballet is launching its 50th anniversary with the annual holiday production of the Nutcracker by artistic director Graham Lustig.

Oakland Ballet dancers rehearse for five weeks, nine hours a day, to prepare for the holiday special that takes place on one weekend. It can be stressful during the show, but it's a labor of love for the dancers, including Sharon Kung and Nicole Jackman.

"I have many changes in the show, definitely in the second act, from Spanish into flowers and back to Spanish for the finale," said Kung.

"How long does it take to get to do what you do -- how many years?" asked ABC7's Cheryl Jennings.

"Lots, I'm not going to lie. Most of us started when we were four or five," said Jackman.

Performances of Graham Lustig's the Nutcracker will be held at the Paramount Theater in Oakland, featuring the Oakland East Bay Symphony. And 40 ballet students will perform with the professional dancers. They strive for perfection, but, sometimes things happen.

"It was a hair change for me. Last year my hair fell out, during dress rehearsal during waltz of the flowers, but you know, you just keep dancing," said Kung.

"Half the time, if you don't let it be known, no one else will know," said Jackman.

Both say they work up an appetite after dancing for so many hours and do not starve themselves, to stay thin. They feel they work in a healthy environment with the Oakland Ballet.

"It makes it a very nurturing and inspiring place to work in," said Kung.

"I'm very honored and thankful to be a part of it," said Jackman.

The Oakland Ballet Nutcracker performances are this weekend, Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21.