Claire Sanner, 11, of Lawrence, practices her routine for “A Kansas Nutcracker,” which opens at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H.

Juliet Remmers never imagined she’d learn Kansas history from a ballet written by a Russian man in the 19th century.

But thanks to an adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” that’s exactly what she’s doing this fall.

“It’s really fun to get to learn where we first started as a state,” says Remmers, 17. “It’s about Kansas history — combining a sense of culture and heritage.”

The adaptation is called “A Kansas Nutcracker,” and it’s been three years since it’s been performed at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 N.H.

This year’s performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20, and at 2 p.m. Dec. 14 and 21. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for seniors, students and children.

The ballet was adapted by Deborah Bettinger, ballet program coordinator at the arts center. It was performed from 2002 to 2005 in December before giving way to other holiday performances.

The first scene of the ballet has been turned from a dance scene into theater. Instead of a holiday party, attendees in the party scene are there to participate in an old-fashioned barn-raising.

The dream scenes also are tailored to old-time Kansas, including a snake dance, a dance in a one-room schoolhouse and a dance tribute to Delaware Indians.

The music, meanwhile, is the original Tchaikovsky tunes, with a twist — it’s been arranged by Jeff Dearinger for an 11-piece orchestra, including a mandolin ensemble.

“That just gives a flavor of the Plains,” says Ric Averill, who will do the stage direction for the show. “It sounds almost folksy or bluegrassy.”

The total cast numbers around 110, including actors and dancers. The professional 940 Dance Company is among the dancers, and the full cast runs from small children through adults.

Remmers, who has performed in every edition of “A Kansas Nutcracker,” says it’s fun to be part of a multigenerational cast.

“The younger kids are learning the dances, and the older people are helping out,” she says.

Lucy Shopen, also 17, says she’ll perform in several scenes this year. Like Remmers, she’s performed in every year the ballet has been staged.

“I started out as a mushroom and a toy soldier, and I’ve worked my way up,” she says.