Culture A timeless
Christmas tale By Sera Madrigrano
Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet solo- ist Yayoi Ban with Arjtom Maksakov (background) and RWB School student Samara Rittinger (foreground) in Nutcracker.
E
mbrace the magic of the holidays this season by experiencing the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s (RWB) time-honoured Christmas production of Nutcrack- er. Te unmistakable, delicate notes of the celeste
in Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy are a sure sign of the holidays and evoke feelings of joy and gaiety. Many of Tchaikovsky’s scores from Te Nutcracker are well
recognized, even by those unaware that it is Tchaikovsky they are listening to. Te music is intensely emotional and when paired with the artistic beauty of the RWB dancers, their bodies reflecting every note in complete synchronicity, the result is an unforgettable journey for the eyes, ears and soul. Te ballet, based on a story written by E.T.A. Hoffman,
has had various renditions created and performed around the world since it premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia on Dec. 18, 1892. None, however, are quite like the version choreographed by Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon. Te RWB has put their own Winnipeg feel into the story, in- corporating well-known Canadian iconography, such as Mounties, Hudson’s Bay blankets, street hockey and a scene on Parliament Hill. Since its premiere in Ottawa, in 1999, it has become a seasonal favourite, with tour dates across the country, and a ritual event for many Winnipeggers. Te performance will transport the audience back in time
to a stately home on Wellington Crescent in the year 1913, just before the First World War. It’s Christmas Eve and the excitement builds as young Clara and her family prepare for the big party, all rushing and fussing about. Oblivious to the plights of her frantic mother, Clara is captivated by
24 • Winter 2014
Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company dancers celebrate Christmas Eve in a scene from Nutcracker.
daydreams as she practices her dancing and waits to perform for her famous Aunt Josephine. Finally, Mr. Drosselmeier, a great toymaker, and his grand-
nephew Julien, arrive with the tree and presents for all. It is a grand evening full of magic and possibility as the tree is lit with the first ever electric lights. Gifts are given and Clara, who has fallen instantly in love with Julien, receives Mr. Drosselmeier’s greatest gift, a beautifully hand-crafted Nutcracker. Soon the party comes to an end and the chil- dren go to sleep. However, Clara’s visions of sugar plums are dashed as she
is awakened by the terrifying Mouse King trying to steal her Nutcracker. As the clock strikes midnight, the magic begins. Te room transforms into the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets. Te Nutcracker is brought to life and chases away the mice in a grand battle, with the assistance of the toy soldiers and Mounties. Sadly, Clara’s brother and
The Hub
Photo by Vince Pahkala.
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