Plot Synopsis

All Lily Jamison has ever wanted to do since the time she could stand upright is to dance. So when, at 22, she is offered a spot in the New York Ballet, her big sister and biggest fan, Beth, helps convince their mom that she needs to let Lily follow her destiny. The ballet provides Lily with everything she's always wanted, including the coveted opportunity to finally dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and opposite her boyfriend, Mark Anders, as the prince. As her dreams are all coming true, she gets a devastating call telling her that Beth has been killed in an accident. Heartbroken and crushed by her death, she however, decides to go on with the performance in honor of her sister. Fearing for her physical safety in performing such a difficult ballet while so fragile and vulnerable, Mark refuses to let her go on and insists that she leaves to be with her family. He knows it's the end for the couple, but he cares far too much for her to risk her safety on stage. Lily never danced again after that night, nor has she seen Mark. But nearly 8 years later, when her niece Sadie gets the opportunity to dance the role of Clara in Philadelphia, she accompanies her, and is thrown for a loop when she see Mark, who is directing the ballet. Reluctantly, she agrees to help him out by coaching two of the show's principal dancers. But when the Sugar Plum Fairy walks out days before opening night, Lily agrees to step in and begins rehearsals to finally perform her dream role. But when the egotistical dancer returns expecting to walk back into her role, Lily is certain that, once again, Mark will stand between her and her dream. But before the curtain goes up on "The Nutcracker," there will be more changes in the cast that are destined to bring the Prince and The Sugar Plum Fairy together at last, both on stage and off.