Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker has been a beloved Christmas tradition in Seymour Dance alumna Jessica Heaven’s household since she was two years old. Heaven and her sisters have all performed in the magical winter production staged by Seymour Dance. Now a volunteer with the company, Heaven gives us a behind-the-scenes look as she prepares for her 24th Nutcracker season.
Students from Seymour Dance will twirl on stage to Tchaikovsky’s famous composition and one of the world’s most popular ballets, The Nutcracker, at Centennial Theatre on Dec. 9.
Artistic director Sonia Ellis’s vision for set design and costuming has been the guiding light for this year’s performance, according to Heaven. Seymour Dance has delivered the ballet to North Shore audiences for more than 40 years.
A new moving backdrop, along with brand new costumes and beautifully restored pieces, promises to add extra enchantment to this classic holiday ballet.
This year, auditions were held in early September, followed by Nutcracker rehearsals that started a week after All of the dancers, some of whom are local high school students, have been rehearsing their parts throughout the fall in preparation for this year’s Nutcracker. Each child enrolled in ballet at the studio has the opportunity to be a part of the highly anticipated production.
As is tradition, there are two sets of casts for Seymour Dance’s Nutcracker. Most senior dancers perform in multiple roles and dance numbers during the course of one show.
The Nutcracker story follows a young lady, Clara, as she is presented a mysterious and unexpected gift from her eccentric Uncle Drosselmeyer – the Nutcracker. As the clock strikes midnight, Clara finds herself in a new and magical world, one wrought with both danger and delight.
The audience will journey through enchanted winter snowfalls and castles – to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy and dancing gingerbread.
“I am so excited that this holiday tradition has arrived once again and to see both the students’ and staffs’ hard work come to life on stage,” says Seymour Dance junior artistic director, Lauren Overholt.
“We can’t wait to share with you an exciting Nutcracker that offers something magical for everyone.”
Seymour Dance’s annual performance of this classic seasonal ballet will be staged at Centennial Theatre, Sunday, Dec. 9, at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $21 for students and seniors; and $18 for children aged 2-12, available online at nvrc.ca/centennial-theatre/whats-on/seymour-dance-nutcracker. ■
