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A beloved holiday tradition returns in grand style with the annual presentation of The Nutcracker. This December, rediscover the magic with fresh choreography, stunning new sets and costumes, and a renewed sense of enchantment.
The iconic Tchaikovsky score, performed live by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, fills the theatre with soaring melodies. Alberta Ballet's full company and young community dancers bring this spectacular world to life. This Nutcracker is the heartwarming centerpiece of the season and a grand milestone for Alberta Ballet. A rare chance to experience a reimagined production of this scale, The Nutcracker blends tradition with fresh creativity. Whether it's your annual tradition or a long-awaited return, this new vision promises joy, wonder, and holiday magic the whole family will enjoy.
CHOREOGRAPHER: Francesco Ventriglia
MUSIC: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
LIVE ORCHESTRA: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra & Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
COSTUME & SET DESIGN: Gianluca Falaschi
VISUAL DESIGN: Italo Grassi
It was the first time for me to see the ballet so I was really excited. It did not disappoint. They made everything look so easy. The sets and the costumes were fantastic. I would definitely go see it again. Great night out for us.
From the opening moments the Nutcracker was a glorious entry into the Christmas season. The dancers were animated and precise in each and every movement. They drew us in to the story and kept us spellbound until the last note. What a wonderful evening. Still wish that they would not use the artifical smoke at the Winspear. It such a foul chemical...ugh.
I took my wife, daughter in law and our 7 year old Granddaughter to the Friday night performance and it was a magical evening. The Music of the Edmonton Symphony was unreal and the Alberta Ballet Dancers were outstanding. It was our first ballet and truly did not disappoint.
I would have liked the music a bit louder in particular the drums
I attended an evening performance of the December 2019 run in Edmonton. I was swept away in the music, the sets, the costumes, and the artistry and skill of the dancers. And of course, the unseen background work that made it seamless. The dancers were on their game and brought to life the story. There is considerable comedy in the first act with the kids and grandfather, and the little rats that paw around and look adorably rodenty. It leads into a drama with the battle scene, and turns magical with the dance of the snowflakes and Snow Tsarina! My favourite dance was between that and the Waltz of the Flowers. Edmund Stripe’s version is truly wonderful (I went home after and watched a different version performed by NYC ballet, which lacked ... I’m not sure what exactly, but it seemed more showy and less story driven.) This set is lovely in my opinion, and allows the story to be told and the focus be on the dancers themselves. The choreography is beautiful, long lines and highlighting the strength and grace of these professional dancers. In any case, we have it lucky in Edmonton to have the opportunity to see this version performed by AB Ballet. I highly recommend seeing it and making it part of your Christmas traditions!
It was a fabulous evening. The performance was very well done. The young ballet dancers added to the overall enjoyment. The ballet dancer photo booth was a nice touch.
I’ve been to the Nutcracker 3 times and I enjoy it more each time I go! It’s visually beautiful, the dancers are nothing short of amazing, truly talented people. I expect to be going next year too! It’s a great way to kick off the Christmas season
I have seen other renditions of The Nutcracker with different ballet companies -- this is one of the best! Great job Alberta Ballet, looking forward to other productions in the near future.
Dancers were fabulous, sets terrible, costumes mediocre, orchestra wonderful
This was a great show it was really fun seeing my niece on stage.
I attend this performance every year with my daughter and now her two daughters. I am sad to say this has become a lackluster and tired performance. The child performers are the only ones who seem to be enjoying themselves. After many years of this being a Christmas tradition, I doubt if I will buy tickets for it next year.
Great event if you enjoy the ballet. Great for kids, and families. Also a nice date for you and your significant other. Dancers put on a great show. The Orchestra is the best part.
It was a great night! My granddaughter is only five and there were many activities before the ballet for her age category!
We took our 3.5 year old daughter to a Sunday matinee. She loved it! The booster seat was a must and there were plenty available for us. Take your children, share the arts with them!
We enjoyed the ballet. It would have been better had we been able to hear the orchestra throughout the entire event. The sound of crinkling snack bags was annoying and just plain rude to the orchestra.
Beautiful show, gorgeous costumes, world class dancers.
A magical celebration- wonderful costumes!!! Everyone played their part so well.
A magical Christmas classic and the ballet dancers danced beautifully. My children really enjoyed the pre-event story time and buying our very own nutcracker was a must!
Great seats, great performance! This was the first time watching a ballet performance and we throughly enjoyed it.
I have been taking our daughters to Nutcracker in Calgary since they were 3, they are now 43 and 42 but our group has expanded since to including our daughters-in-law and our grand daughters, and even my Mother. The performance is worth every penny I spend on it. We try to get tickets close to the stage and in the center. We ALL look forward to it every season and find it always MAGICAL! Many of us are moved to tears! It feels like Christmas once we have been. Thank you for putting this on every year. The live orchestra, the incredible ballet company, the sets and the costumes enhance the MAGIC! I would recommend this to all.