AUSTIN -- It's not too late for early holiday shoppers to bid on a unique auction on eBay that includes a rat king, snow queen and nutcracker prince, a sugar plum fairy, snow flakes that dance, hundreds of children, an entire symphony orchestra and all the sparkle dust you desire.

Ballet Austin has put a December 2005 performance of its 43rd annual production of The Nutcracker up for auction on eBay in an effort to sell all 2,827 seats of Bass Concert Hall at The University of Texas at Austin Performing Arts Center (PAC) to a single corporation or individual. This is the first time the services of an entire ballet organization have been offered on eBay.

Ballet Austin is working with Snap (www.snaptosell.com), the Austin on-line sales and marketing company that, among other things, successfully sold a 250-member marching band, twice, on eBay last fall.

Thousands of people have viewed Ballet Austin's auction which launched June 1 and ends June 21. No one has jumped in to place the first bid on the performance, however, which starts at $54,999. The eBay ad describes the rich history of the ballet, which for 113 years has thrilled children during the holidays. It spells out the benefits to the winning bidder valued at well over $120,000 -- including being a hero in the community, realizing a surge in brand awareness and having an opportunity to entertain important constituencies and their families.

In addition to all the seats in the Bass Concert Hall, the winning bidder also will get the chance to fill the role of Mother Ginger, which has been previously played by Lance Armstrong, Tom Kite, Michael Dell, former Texas Governor Ann Richards and current Texas Gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman. And if visions of sugar plums aren't enough, Ballet Austin will provide the winning bidder with the benefits of a $15,000 sponsor so they can take advantage of Ballet Austin's exclusive marketing opportunities throughout the 2005/2006 season.

Prospective bidders should go to www.balletaustin.org and click on "Ballet on eBay!" to view the auction or to www.ebay.com and search for "Ballet Austin The Nutcracker."