Normally the thought of taking your 4-year-old to an elegant luncheon would be nerve-wracking—but thanks to the Colorado Conservatory of Dance‘s (CCD) kid-friendly tea, you can abandon all fears of etiquette breaches and broken china.

After your youngsters sample a cup of tea from Boulder-based Celestial Seasonings and nibble on scones and petit-fours from Susan’s Bakery (Boulder) and A Slice of Creation (Broomfield), they can gather around the stage for an unforgettable story time. The Sugar Plum Fairy will read the tale of the Nutcracker as costumed CCD students perform excerpts and divertissements from the classic ballet.

Rachel Long, CCD communications coordinator, says the event is an excellent way to give kids the feeling of attending a real performance. “For many little children, it’s their first experience of the Nutcracker performance, and that’s a lot of fun.” In addition to the scenes, little ones will have a chance to go onstage and learn a few choreographed steps or snag autographs from the Nutcracker characters, while adults can try their luck in the raffle to win two free tickets to a CCD production of the Nutcracker.

See the Magic: Sunday, November 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the Gatehouse at Lionsgate Event Center, 1055 S. 112th St., Lafayette; $20–$30