A holiday tradition in Oakland is returning tonight. The demise of the Oakland Ballet meant canceling "The Nutcracker," but it will be performed for four shows starting tonight in the Paramount Theatre. The ballet's creator came out of retirement to make it happen.

The Nutcracker, so much a part of holiday life in Oakland. It was the one that featured sports stars like Tony Larussa, next to ABC7's Martin Wyatt. When the Oakland Ballet went belly up, the music stopped.

But it's back. This is rehearsal under the direction of Ronn Guidi. He founded the Oakland Ballet in 1968 and ran it for 33 years. Then watched it spin in the wrong direction. There has been demand to bring back 'Nutcracker" and Guidi couldn't resist.

Ronn Guidi, Ballet Director: "They do love the Nutcracker. It brings joy, and love in people's hearts. Between June and November I was able to raise $200,000. It costs $50,000 per show."

He's had only four days of rehearsals to prepare for the opening.

ABC7's Don Sanchez: "Where did you find these dancers? Where were they available?"

Ronn Guidi, Ballet Director: "A lot of my former dancers came back."

Wanting to dance for him again.

Ronn Guidi, Ballet Director: "When you dance, you have to dance not just with the shell. It has to come from inside. I have stunning dancers—both technically brilliant, artistically beautiful."

Ronn says the Nutcracker is just the start. That ballet is going to return to Oakland. He's coming out of retirement. After all, the dance is his love, passion and life.

He bought the ballet warehouse full of wardrobe his dance creations still exist, and legally he may be able to resurrect the name Oakland Ballet.

Ronn Guidi, Ballet Director: "We intend to bring back some of the great works we used to do. The East Bay deserves a professional company."

Copyright 2006, ABC7/KGO-TV/DT.