This weekend marks the return of a favourite Edmonton tradition: Alberta Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s classic score is presented with choreography by Alberta Ballet’s Edmund Stripe, performed by 120 performers from Albertan dance companies and dance schools. This production also features a special guest performance by members of the Shumka dancers.
“The Nutcracker’s our production where we engage with so many young people, both in the audience and on the stage. Many of our young dancers in the community here in Edmonton, they look forward to that opportunity to share the stage,” says Christopher Anderson, Co-Artistic Director of Alberta Ballet. “It’s also our one time throughout our season where we come together with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra… it’s almost like two performances in one.”
These performances unite to tell the story of young Klara, who receives a handsome wooden nutcracker from her Uncle Drosselmeyer and is transported to a fantastical dreamscape of fearsome mouse warriors, an elegant Snow Queen, and dancing fairies that seem to float above the stage. The world around the dancers comes to life with blowing snow, glistening stars, and Christmas trees that grow right before your eyes.
The magic begins even before the curtain rises: in the lobby, guests can enjoy a boutique and roving stiltwalkers, and can have their photo taken sitting in the Snow Queen’s sleigh. A children’s storytime before the show introduces younger audience members to the world of The Nutcracker in a fun, accessible way. Kids can also take place in a virtual scavenger hunt, exploring the Jubilee to find their favourite characters.
Alberta Ballet’s The Nutcracker runs until Sunday, Dec. 5 before heading to Calgary for the rest of the holiday season. You can purchase your tickets at albertaballet.com.
