Watch children living the dream of performing on stage alongside the RWB’s Company artists!
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s homegrown, ever-popular Nutcracker returns to the Centennial Concert Hall stage from December 21-30, 2023 to add splendid sparkle to everyone’s holiday season. Artists, musicians, stagehands, children, along with our walk-on role cast, come together once again to make each performance magical and memorable.
A uniquely Canadian spin on the beloved holiday story makes our Nutcracker a nostalgic treasure that charms audiences of all ages, year after year. Young Clara’s dreams come to life in spectacular fashion as her nutcracker transforms into a gallant soldier to defend her from the army of the Mouse King, with majestic Mounties battling the mischievous Mice. The duo journey through a shimmering winter wonderland filled with dancing snowflakes and adorable polar bears to the court of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Special guest artists joining the RWB for all performances!
As part of the storytelling magic, we’ve invited special guests to share the stage in Manitoba’s favourite holiday tradition this year. Making their debut with the RWB, we are thrilled to welcome the Asham Stompers to the stage! These dancers will perform the Red River jig showcasing their passion to re-capture and preserve the history of the Métis people through traditional dance. Also returning by popular demand are fan favourites, Rusalka, Canada’s premier Dance Ensemble who will perform their fiery and colourful presentation of Ukrainian dance. With over 100 dancers on stage, Nutcracker is one of the biggest “living the dream” spectacles of the season.
While Nutcracker opens an audience’s eyes to a charming tale, it opens the doors to students from the RWB School to live the dream of performing on stage alongside the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Company artists. Angels, polar bears, reindeer and party kids will be played by students from the Recreational Division, while young Clara, Julien and Dieter are portrayed by students from our Professional Division. “We’re a Company and a School at the same time, so adding in characters, such as reindeer and polar bear cubs, gives students the opportunity to dance in Nutcracker and experience what it’s like to be in a professional production,” stated Jaime Vargas, Ballet Master.
Patrons, guests and families will be wowed by the brilliant and beloved score of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, led by Julian Pellicano, the RWB’s Music Director & Principal Conductor and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the wonder and whimsical choreography of Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon, as well as the stunning turn-of-the-century costumes and sets. The elaborate stage elements and breathtaking visual effects, including intricate lighting and glittering Canadian winter landscapes, will beautifully infuse energetic crescendos in the telling of the Clara and her nutcracker Prince story. And you don’t want to miss the hijinks of fan-favourite Filbert the Bear during the family party!
“The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker has become a holiday tradition for many families,” said André Lewis, the RWB’s Artistic Director. “Nutcracker represents the culmination of nearly a year of hard work by everyone at the RWB. Winnipeg will be the last stop on our Nutcracker tour that includes performances in Ottawa, Vancouver, and Saskatoon.”
The RWB expresses its gratitude to Production Supporter – Richardson Foundation; Live Music Benefactor – The Asper Foundation; and Arts Partner – the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
Nutcracker takes centre stage from December 21-30, 2023 at the Centennial Concert Hall. Get your preferred seats online now at rwb.org or call 204.956.0183 to buy tickets. Kids 12 and under pay only $25. Don’t miss out!
