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The Gift of The Nutcracker

Ballet Victoria brings the timeless Christmas tale to life
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The Gift of The Nutcracker is a 21st-century Victoria family tradition with everything you expect from a Ballet Victoria production. An original Christmas tale danced to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score of The Nutcracker, played by the Victoria Symphony, the production boasts lively dance, hilarious pantomime, beautiful costumes, magic, and, as always, surprises for the whole family. The live music drives the imaginative choreography for the company dancers as well as over 30 young local ballet students. Watch the story come alive and enthral the whole family with holiday cheer.

In Act 1, as per their annual tradition, Clara’s family is welcoming guests to their unique Christmas Eve party. Family and friends are in attendance to enjoy the festivities, with dancing and decorating the Christmas tree. As usual, Uncle Dross has brought a trunk filled with toys from his exotic travels, and this year, he offers Clara a very special Nutcracker.

As the evening draws to an end and everyone has retired for the night, Clara remains in the living room to play with her Nutcracker, and she introduces him to her dolls. When the clock strikes midnight, the Rat King enters and creates complete chaos, terrifying Clara and her dolls. Just in time, her uncle arrives and summons the Nutcracker for help. Clara bravely faces her fear and eventually stops the fight between the Nutcracker and the Rat King before anyone gets hurt. To reward her courage, Uncle Dross invites the Snow Queen and her snowflakes to dance for Clara.

Following a 20-minute intermission, Act 2 begins with the Snow Queen calling upon her white dragon and sending Clara on a journey around the world. Clara is both nervous and excited by the unknown, but gratefully dances with all the fabulous characters she meets. Eventually, the Dewdrop Fairy appears, bringing Clara a magical tiara that turns her into the Sugarplum Fairy. The Nutcracker Prince and Clara dance the grand pas de deux together for everyone to enjoy.

Clara, asleep on the couch holding her Nutcracker doll, is awoken by her mother, who takes her back to bed. Christmas night is quiet again as they all dream about special gifts and the magical times shared with family and friends.

The Gift of The Nutcracker will offer three shows at the Royal Theatre (805 Broughton Street), on December 28 and 29 at 7:30 pm, and December 30 at 2 pm.

Tickets are available at the Royal Theatre Box Office, by phone at 250-386-6121 or online at balletvictoria.ca. Children’s tickets begin at $15, seniors/students at $24 and adults at $30.

Ballet Victoria, celebrating its 20th season, is an innovative company dedicated to originality. Artistic director Paul Destrooper and his team of 12 professional dancers perform at various venues throughout the province, as well as in the US and Mexico. Ballet Victoria provides community and school outreach performances and collaborates with many of Victoria’s professional arts organizations. The company has presented over 50 new works and adds to its growing repertoire each season.