Ballet BC is proud to present the return of Alberta Ballet in their exquisite production of the holiday classic The Nutcracker at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, with performances from Thursday to Saturday, December 28 - 30 at 7:30pm and Friday & Saturday, December 29 & 30 at 2pm.

Choreographed by Edmund Stripe, with sets and costumes designed by Emmy Award-winning designer Zack Brown, The Nutcracker is set in turn of the 20th century Imperial Russia, an era of opulent grandeur. This production “…sparkles like a Fabergé egg…” says the Vancouver Sun and extravagantly displays more than a million dollars in stunning sets and costumes. With scores of children, mice in the battle scene dressed as Cossack soldiers, and snowflakes dressed as Russian princesses, this “sparking and spectacular achievement” (The Calgary Herald) offers a perfect complement to Tchaikovsky’s glorious musical score played live by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Casting over 80 talented, aspiring young dancers from close to 20 dance schools across the Lower Mainland, this presentation also gives us a chance to support the local dance community and marks the first opportunity for these young dancers to perform with a professional ballet company.

Ballet BC’s Artistic Director Emily Molnar says, “Vancouver audiences were delighted with Alberta Ballet’s The Nutcracker when it was first presented here in 2011. We’re pleased to bring back this magical version of the famous Christmas ballet with live music by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, extravagant sets and costumes and the talented dancers of Alberta Ballet. The Nutcracker is unforgettable family entertainment that is sure to enrich your holiday season.”

Alberta Ballet is Canada's second-largest ballet company, currently celebrating its 51st season. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jean Grand-Maître and Executive Director Chris George, Alberta Ballet has remained at the forefront of the national and international arts scene, renowned for its contemporary and classical repertoire. One of the only arts organizations in Canada to call two cities home, Alberta Ballet is proud to be a community leader both on and off the stage.