VALDOSTA – After more than 40 years of “The Nutcracker,” one might think there are no new precedents to break in the Dance Arts Valdosta Christmas tradition.

But there are.

For the first time ever, members from the same family play the four principal roles in “The Nutcracker,” said Allison Shenton, Dance Arts artistic director.

The Gibbs siblings are the sons and daughter of Don and Monica Gibbs.

Merriss Gibbs, 15, is playing Clara. Dance Arts has a tradition of casting two Claras. Abby Bjorkman is also playing Clara in the 2017 season, Shenton said.

Christopher Gibbs, 20, is reprising the role of the Nutcracker Prince, which he has performed the past few seasons.

Carlton Gibbs, 18, plays the Mouse King.

Landon Gibbs, 12, plays Fritz, Clara’s brother. Making it the first time a real brother and sister have played siblings Fritz and Clara, Shenton said.

Monica Gibbs said the family’s involvement started with “The Nutcracker” in 2001, when she watched the Valdosta show while pregnant with Merriss.

“I wondered then if she might dance as Clara one day,” Mrs. Gibbs said.

Merriss started Dance Arts at the age of 3. 

Christopher started second at the age of 12; he said he was inspired to start dance lessons by watching past “Nutcracker” performances of John Stephen. 

Carlton and Landon started Dance Arts lessons several years ago. Landon said brother Christopher inspired him to start Dance Arts.

While “Nutcracker” has been a Gibbs family tradition, the 2017 production will likely be Christopher’s last one. 

The siblings grew up home-schooled. 

Christopher has been attending Georgia Military College. He will be transferring to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton. He is studying agricultural business.

Carlton is scheduled to attend Mercer in January, studying civil engineering.

Merriss is in dual enrollment at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. She said she hopes to become a nurse.

In casting roles, Shenton said she chooses the students she feels fit each part.

“I pick roles by who fits the role the best,” she said, “by their dedication, endurance, talent and work ethic.”

For the 2017 production, the Gibbs siblings matched those qualities.

Dance Arts “The Nutcracker,” with the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, is scheduled to run 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, Mathis City Auditorium, 2300 N. Ashley St. Reserved seating: $14, all tickets. Reservations, tickets, more information: Visit DanceArtsValdosta.com.