The Goh Ballet is a school. Its Nutcracker is basically the school Christmas pageant. I got collared to attend with some relatives because a cousin was in the cast. Two adults and a senior for good seats totalling $300. The cousin was on stage in an important background role for about 90 seconds, and in the finale for about 15 s before being hidden from view by the rest of the cast.
The Nutcracker is a ballet for those who don't know (or like) ballet. If you only go to one in your life, I don't think this is the production you want, though. You probably want the Ballet BC one down the street. The one with experienced and professional dancers.
There are a lot of children in the Goh production, and many of them don't even have the discipline to march in step, let alone dance in synchronization. There are also adult cast members in all the important roles.
The crucial exception was the young girl playing Clara. Grace, poise and discipline were there. Her choreography was not taxing, but what she was given, she did very well. She was entirely convincing as a dreamy little girl on a magical voyage.
The orchestra was professional and good. The sound board techs let a triangle get loud and distracting at one point.
A pair from a major Chinese ballet company danced as the Snow King and Queen, and later in the Spanish Dance. I suppose that they were fine, but I was unmoved.
The Arabian Dance was a highlight - a splendid example of the less-is-more approach to entertainment.
The Sugarplum Fairy and her King (Prince?) were very good and athletic dancers. It was traditional ballet, and I enjoyed it, even though I don't generally care for ballet.
The dancer in the title role... uninspiring.
So, next year, if your maiden aunt asks you to take her to the Goh Nutcracker, agree if one of the following is true: 1. There is a child in tha cast who you know well and like. 2. You are willing to part with $100 a seat to give financial and moral support to ballet education in Vancouver.