Southwest area youngsters leap into the holiday season in BalletMet’s “The Nutcracker.” Performing in the show are Lucy Horner (back), Emma Smith (center) and Hannah Dilley.  The holiday tradition, BalletMet’s “The Nutcracker,” returns to the Ohio Theatre (39 East State St., Columbus) for 16 performances Dec. 12-24. Joining BalletMet’s professional dancers onstage are 154 dance students from BalletMet’s dance academy who have undergone rigorous training and rehearsals with the professional dancers. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased through CAPA, Ticketmaster or balletmet.org. 