Establishing a true winter tradition in Mission, the Fraser Valley Academy of Dance returns to the Clarke Theatre on Dec. 9 to present the holiday classic the Nutcracker.
The production features the choreography of the group’s artistic director John Carney.
Having danced many roles in the Nutcracker with the English National Ballet – every winter season in London during his many years with the company – Carney brings an in-depth professional knowledge of this full-length classical ballet to this local stage.
More than 100 students from the Fraser Valley Academy of Dance will perform alongside professional guest artists including U.S. professional dancer Alexander Negron (Milwaukee Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theatre, School of American Ballet), Mission actor Shelley Janze as Mrs. Stahlbaum and Vancouver-based Justin Reist as the infamous King Rat.
Join the Stahlbaums’ festive party and follow Clara into her dream to witness the magical battle between soldiers and rats. Travel along with the mysterious Drosselmeyer through snowflakes and across the serene ocean to the Kingdom of Sweets to meet the Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Be enchanted by the colourful and exciting dances of the candy canes, flowers, Arabian, Spanish, Chinese, Smarties and Russian accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s imaginative score.
The family should enjoy the magic of this traditional winter classic.
For more information on the academy or the Nutcracker, please visit fvad.ca or call 604-826-0097.