Urban Dance Connection’s Classical Divison has teamed up with Stage West School of Performing arts to bring the holiday classic The Nutcracker to Campbell River this Holiday Season.
This is their second annual production and this year’s production promises to be even more magical than last year’s.
Jen Soo, the director of UDC’s Classical division and new owner of Stage West has brought a team of professionals together to work with the young dancers and add a spectacular level of talent to the stage.
Guest director and choreographer, Geraldine Potter, has been working with both studios since August to put this show together.
Potter graduated from the Royal Winnipeg’s Professional Division and has performed with many prestigious companies across Europe and North America.
The role of Mother Ginger will be played by Vladimir Pereira.
Pereira is the Artistic Director of Eclat Dance Youth Company and co-owner of Illha Ballet Academy in Courtenay.
He has trained in professional schools in Brazil, Mexico and Canada.
Dustin Carnie, formerly of the Goh Ballet in Vancouver and instructor at UDC, will again dance the part of the Nutcracker Prince and the audience favourite, Russian Dance.
Emily Faris joined the performance from the Bridge Program at Victoria Academy of Ballet and will be the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy.
Approximately 110 dancers from UDC and Stage West have had the opportunity to participate in The Nutcracker this year.
The Urban West team will perform the Nutcracker at the Tidemark Theatre on Dec. 10 for a 2 p.m. matinee and also for a 7 p.m. performance.
Tickets are available at the Tidemark Theatre box office and donations for the Campbell River Food Bank will be collected at both performances.