ONEONTA – Though her studio is no longer in Norwich, ballet teacher Donna Decker retains fond memories of the many students and their families whom she grew to know during her more than 31 years here.

To commemorate the past - and to celebrate 20 years of performing Tchiakovsky’s classic Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker - Decker has invited all dancers from the area who have danced in the annual show to a special reunion performance.

More than 300 invitations have been mailed out to alumni. They have been invited to be honored at a reception prior to The Decker School of Ballet’s annual holiday performance at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22 on the Goodrich Theater stage at SUNY Oneonta. The Nutcracker will also come to life at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21 and also at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Over the years, nearly 400 students and adults have danced The Nutcracker for Decker in what has become a holiday tradition both in the region and throughout the world. Many of her ballet students started out as gnomes and soldiers or mice, and later became corps members, demi solos and, later, solo dancers.

Decker said she has located all but two dancers who played the coveted role of “Clara.” Both trained at the Norwich studio: Nell Moore and Erin Snay. About 18 other former dancers are also not found. Any dancer who has not received an invitation may do so by calling the studio at 432-6290.