For many Mission families, the holiday season doesn’t really begin until the opening chords of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker fill the air, and young Clara dances onto the stage.
In fact, the celebrated Fraser Valley Academy of Dance is now in its 11th season of the iconic performance and it’s telling that their “Claras” – along with the Nutcrackers, Soldiers, Mice and others – have gone on to dance to national and international renown.
Two of the school’s Claras – Anna Neudorf and Isabella Almarez – are now training full-time at Canada’s National Ballet School and another two – Marin Greenan and Priscilla Gubiotti – are at Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. Another, Kaylie Conner, just graduated from Alberta Ballet School and accepted a trainee contract with Lexington Ballet in Kentucky.
The tradition continues as one of this year’s Clara’s, Allison Delves, has been accepted for summer intensives at both Canada’s National Ballet School and Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, along with both Andrew Delves and Chase Bradley, who dance as Clara’s brother Fritz!
Nutcracker 2017 - Finale (Eve) from FVADance on Vimeo.
The Fraser Valley Academy of Dance brings Nutcracker to the Clarke Theatre on Dec. 8, with two performances choreographed by the academy’s Artistic Director John C. Carney.
After dancing many roles in the Nutcracker with English National Ballet, John brings an in-depth professional knowledge of this full-length classical ballet, which will feature 100 Academy students performing alongside professional guest artists.
Through a career that has taken him around the world, working with such notables as Rudolph Nureyev, Dame Alicia Markova, Sir Anton Dolin and others, it’s John’s skill as a dancer, teacher and choreographer that attracts not only local students, but internationally recognized instructors, says school administrator Carolyne Carney.
“Our program focuses on a high calibre of classical training which we’re able to offer because of our teaching staff, who often join our academy for the opportunity to work with John,” Carolyne says. “We have a classical environment that’s appealing to teachers and students who enjoy those disciplined, committed studies.”
But there’s still plenty of time for fun, reflected in this year’s Nutcracker performance! In addition to the two full-length ticketed performances, a shortened free version is being shared again this year at a dozen local schools and community locations, Carolyne notes.
Enjoy the magic of this traditional winter classic!
Join the Stahlbaums’ festive party and follow Clara into her dream to witness the magical battle between Soldiers and Rats, and travel with the mysterious Drosselmeyer to the Kingdom of Sweets to meet the Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Magical!
The Fraser Valley Academy of Dance presents two performances of the Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Clarke Theatre, a matinee performance: 2 p.m. and and evening performance at 7 p.m. Reserve your tickets today!
Learn more about the academy at fvad.ca or call 604-826-0097.
