Hummous for the Arabian dance, and something with chives for the reed pipes. Marcona almonds or sangria for the Spanish dance. Ice cream or something for the snowflakes. Marzipan for marzipan! Or you can do coffee, tea, and chocolate for Arabia, China, and Spain -- I think that's what the dances are actually called anyway.

Maybe include a few ballet touches in your decorations.

I took Meredith, my daughter, to see the Nutcracker when she was about 4 or 5. Wanting to make sure she understood the story and was familiar with the music, I bought the sound track and an age appropriate book several weeks before we went to see it.

She enjoyed the ballet so much and was able to hum along with all the music and was easily able to follow the story.

After it was over a gentlemen in a tux came out and presented the prima ballerina with a bouquet of roses. Meredith asked me who it was. I told her I wasn't really sure. To which she said in a very loud voice. "I think it must be Mr.Tchaikovsky". Everyone around us melted in laughter!