In this ever-changing world, the comforting traditions that we return to year after year help us stay connected to our history, our families and our community.
Ballet Jörgen’s The Nutcracker is one such tradition. With its touch of seasonal magic, this much-loved Nutcracker has become an annual favourite for many in Guelph.
Ballet Jörgen Artistic Director and Co-Founder Bengt Jörgen has reimagined the classic story, creating a ballet that unfolds in familiar Ontario landscapes. Set to the original music by Tchaikovsky, this Nutcracker begins with a Christmas celebration in the small village of Bisset near Algonquin Park. We join our young heroine, Klara, on her magical Christmas Eve dream journey through a woodland filled with snowflakes, trilliums and forest animals.
Deepening the quintessentially Canadian atmosphere are three Group of Seven paintings that frame the story as backdrops.
Ballet Jörgen tours The Nutcracker annually across Ontario and this year added performances in Saskatoon and Regina. In early autumn, young dancers audition to form part of the cast in their home communties.
This year, 19 local dancers were selected to participate in the Guelph performances, representing 10 different dance schools in Guelph, Fergus, Kitchener, and Cambridge.
One of these dancers is 16-year-old Jessie Marshall from Guelph. She enthused, “This is the 10th year that The Nutcracker has been part of our family’s holiday tradition. My journey went from an audience member, then to a local participant, to joining the touring cast, and now as the youth lead role playing Klara!”
Marshall added, “Working with Ballet Jörgen has given me a deep appreciation of the talent and dedication that it takes to put on such a wonderful inclusive show. I love the way the program provides young dancers with the opportunity to perform alongside professionals and have a sense of belonging and love. No matter where life takes me, I know that The Nutcracker will always be a part of our family’s Christmas tradition."
Another multi-year alumnus of Nutcracker performances at River Run Centre is Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner, who returns as Moose. "I'm so excited to be reprising my role as the Moose in Ballet Jörgen's Nutcracker for the fifth time running,” said Schreiner. “I love how this production brings our community together over the holidays and I look forward to it every year."
Royal City School of Ballet and Jazz in downtown Guelph is another Guelph organisation for whom The Nutcracker is a multi-year holiday event. “Ballet Jörgen's Nutcracker has become a thoroughly enjoyable tradition for Royal City School of Ballet and Jazz,” said director Brandi Matheson.
She added, “We have run the local youth cast's rehearsals for Ballet Jörgen since 2003. It is wonderful to see each year's new group of dancers from so many different studios come together and work diligently as a team. The young dancers are always so excited to dance with professional dancers in a ballet company.”
Ballet Jörgen’s The Nutcracker returns to the River Run Centre in Guelph on December 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available online here or by calling the box office at 519-763-3000 or 1-877-520-2408.
In the spirit of seasonal giving, the community is invited to Share The Magic and support the work of Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County. By pledging a ticket at the discounted price of $20, patrons can give a seat to a child or family who might otherwise not be able to share the Nutcracker magic. The box office is able to assist those wishing to give to Share The Magic.
Let The Nutcracker tradition continue!