Studio West Dance is getting into the holiday spirit like it never has before with its first-ever presentation of The Nutcracker, Dec. 17 to 18 at Genesis Theatre in Ladner.
At a time of year when the Ladner studio is typically winding down classes for the Christmas break, it is instead been hectic with extra sessions and dress rehearsals, leading up to the four matinee and evening performances.
The idea is to make the Tchaikovsky classic a holiday tradition in South Delta, giving families something to look forward to while students can aspire to take on larger roles as they advance through their ballet classes.
Studio West owner/director Jayla Robinson was thrilled she was able to secure Genesis just a week out from Christmas.
“It ended up working out perfectly. We really wanted to do The Nutcracker and had been planning for a while to put this on, so I looked into dates as soon as I could back in May just to give the theatre a heads up of what they could possibly save for us,” explained Robinson. “We’re just so excited to have that Saturday and Sunday. It’s so fun for people to now have the opportunity to do something here in South Delta (right before Christmas). We’re hoping people will go out on a limb and say ‘let’s buy a ticket.’”
It’s taking a collective effort to pull this show off with more than 70 dancers performing during the course of the production, ranging in all ages.
Ballet teachers Thomas and Muriel Teague are not only overseeing the direction and choreography, but Thomas will also be on stage in the role of Drosselmeyer. Robinson will also be joining her students with a special guest appearance as Mother Ginger.
Studio West has also welcomed back graduate Audrey Habros to perform in the show.
Some of the students taking on the main dancing roles include: Peighton Brown and Lauren de Leuuw as Clara; Harrison Last as Nutcracker Prince, Emma Bavis and Hanna Turner as Rat Queen and Sophia Lawton as the Sugar Plum Fairy.
“Thomas and Muriel come from the professional world of ballet. They did The Nutcracker in San Diego and danced professionally with recognized ballet companies in the United States,” added Robinson. “They have been just amazing and Tom has been building all the sets as well. They’re very passionate about this adventure of transporting people into the magical world of ballet and feeling they are entertained.”
Tickets for all four shows (1 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day) can now be purchased online at studiowestdance.ca. Genesis Theatre is located next to Delta Secondary (5005 45 Ave, Delta).
