Ballet BC lights up the holidays with Nutcracker: the dream ballet beautifully brought to life by Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

Follow the fearless female heroine, Clara, as her Christmas dream becomes our magical reality. Danced to Tchaikovsky’s glorious music, Clara’s turn-of-the-century stately mansion becomes a whirlwind fantasy of live toy soldiers, dancing mice and a mischievous bear who steals the Christmas pudding. With her Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy by her side, Clara confidently overcomes all obstacles on this wild Christmas night! Sumptuous costumes and an imaginative set design bring holiday sparkle to the stage, while a few Canadian surprises freshen-up the up the traditional tale – audiences can expect a snowy pond hockey game and a battle on Parliament Hill to create even more ruckus on stage. This all-ages adventure is presented with incredible beauty and splendour, making Nutcracker an unforgettable treat the whole family will savour.

“We are thrilled to present the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, one of Canada’s leading ballet companies, in this iconic Canadian version of the delightful Christmas story Nutcracker” says Ballet BC’s Artistic Director Emily Molnar. “Casting over 70 talented, aspiring young dancers from close to 20 dance schools across the Lower Mainland, this also gives us a chance to support the local dance community. This marks the first opportunity for these young dancers to perform with a professional ballet company. We are excited to provide this experience to so many young artists.”

“We excitedly present this ballet each year as it ties our past to our future. With Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year, we are very happy that Vancouver is part of our exciting touring season and that we are working with Ballet BC,” shares André Lewis, Artistic Director of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet. “Nutcracker is an outstanding traditional piece of classical ballet repertoire where we see dancers in our Company grow into new roles and bring their unique artistry to the characters.”

Choreography by Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon, Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Costume Design by Paul Daigle, Scenic Design by Brian Perchaluk, Lighting Design by Michael J. Whitfield.