Dance

THE NUTCRACKER

The Arbutus Club's adaptation of this beloved ballet continues to be a favourite, festive holiday tradition performed by our very own Arbutus Academy of Dance

Performance History

how it started

Since the Mariinsky Theatre's production of The Nutcracker in St. Petersburg in 1882, audiences around the world have been captivated by this ballet's timeless tale and the unforgettable music. Like the show itself, The Arbutus Academy of Dance production has become an annual tradition, indicating the beckoning holiday season and the coming of the new year.

the show must go on

In the Spring of 2020 The Arbutus Academy of Dance had to cancel all indoor performances and shift to a virtual platform. We had to adapt, we were always thinking plan B, plan C, we kept very nimble and were not able to perform The Nutcracker last year.

A year and a half after halting indoor performances, The Arbutus Academy of Dance was thrilled to celebrate a return to an in-person performance presenting a custom version of The Nutcracker ballet. The audience was ready,

and the entire dance community was so eager to come back together to enjoy the show.

The enthusiasm and excitement for the production was remarkable this year, exhibited in each and every one of the dancer's dedication to practice, their attention to technique, keenness for exhilaration, and the palpable passion for performance.

Buzzing with excitement and thrilled to showcase the student's hard work. Marlene Hershfield, her wonderful team of teachers, and the costume mistress, presented two wonderful performances on Sunday, December 5, 2021. This way, we were able to accommodate two sets of audiences while keeping everyone safe.

Waltz of the Flowers opened the performance with a beautiful routine. Twirling from left to right, with turning jumps, smoothly building the excitement and setting the stage. In gorgeous costumes, the dancers performed each and every routine with joy, while striving for perfection as the audience watched in awe.

The choreography of acts Sugar & Spice, Gingerbread, Coffee and Tea delighted the audience, while the Party Scene and Peppermint continued to create a magical mood for Sweet Dreams & Silent Nights, Clara & The Nutcracker, Marizipan, and Hot Chocolate.

The Sugar Plum Fairy and Bon Bons dazzled in this most Christmassy ballet. By the time the largest group of dancers returned to the stage to perform the Waltz of the Snowflakes, many of us had tears in our eyes watching the happiness of the Club's young dancers, who are able to perform live once again.

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