On December 3 the Wainwright Dance Academy, alumni, and guest artists from across Canada and Ukraine performed its 9th annual performance of the Nutcracker.
This traditional Christmas ballet - The Nutcracker was originally produced in 1892 and has been delighting audiences worldwide since 1982, and in Vermilion since 2013.
When Kinley, the star of this season’s performance was asked what came to mind when the Nutcracker is mentioned she replied, “Magic, Christmas, Happiness.”
The first time Kinley saw The Nutcracker she was 7 years old. The following year she made her Nutcracker debut as a gingerbread child. When asked if she knew she wanted to play the iconic role of Clara she said, “I knew I wanted to be Clara the first time I saw the show!” Clara is one of the most coveted roles for young ballerinas worldwide, and is a dream come true for any dancer.”
Sandy Sundborg has been directing the performance since 1990 and was very proud of the dancers who performed in an extra showing at 3:30 p.m. as well as the scheduled performance at 7 p.m.
Attendees were delighted with the performance and commented that it was a well-produced show.
It is my Christmas tradition to come to the show each year. I have always enjoyed it and look forward to it every year,” commented one attendee.
Another said it was her first time seeing the show and that it will probably become an every-year thing for her.