Ballet BC and Alberta Ballet have mounted a perfect version of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. Never have I seen such a tight production (and I’ve seen MANY ballets and performed in a few too). The corps was exceptional!
Seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker has become an annual tradition for our family. We prepare our two little boys (aged 3 & 5 years) by listening to the music on a regular basis the month prior to the performance. By the time we head to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre our kids can hum the majority of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker.
Last year Ballet BC partnered with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet for a very kid-friendly production of the Nutcracker. I was worried this year’s Imperial Russia version by Ballet BC and the Alberta Ballet would be a bit too grandiose for our boys. I need not have feared! Our 5 year old was most disappointed that there wasn’t a third act. He kept saying, “why was it so short?”.
The principal dancers were excellent, but the real kudos belong to the corps de ballet. Not a toe was out of place, no corps member strived for extra attention, they worked as a team with exceptional results.
The Ballet BC and Alberta Ballet production of the Nutcracker runs until December 31st. You should to take your kids to this performance, if for nothing else, to see the 100+ young dancers from around the Lower Mainland who participate in the performance. They were all exceptional and added a great deal of charm.
Congratulations to Ballet BC for a fantastic production! We can’t wait to see what you create next year.
