(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Nov. 18, 2009.)
Don’t miss The Group of Seven Nutcracker ballet at the Algonquin Theatre on Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.
Canada’s newest full-length ballet, created by acclaimed choreographer Bengt Jörgen to Tchaikovsky’s well-loved score, reworks this timeless classic and is destined to become a national treasure that will warm the hearts of young and old alike.
With over 100 costumes in rich fabrics, The Group of Seven Nutcracker features backdrops from Canada’s 20th Century landscape artists. The ballet’s second act is remembered for its celebration of dances and The Group of Seven Nutcracker follows this tradition with woodland creatures dancing in Ontario’s Algonquin Park.
The Group of Seven Nutcracker will have a cast of over 30, including Ballet Jörgen Canada members and two Mentorship Program dancers. For the past two months, members of the Huntsville School of Ballet, under the direction of owner Brenda Cunningham with guidance from Ballet Jörgen dance masters, have been rehearsing weekly and will join the professional dancers to help interpret the score. Funding for this outreach part of the program is provided by the Huntsville Festival of the Arts, which is also presenting the concert.
Ballet Jörgen was last in Huntsville in 2006 and, while there has been another dance company presenting a Nutcracker ballet the past two years, they are excited about being able to return with their new work.
The performance is being jointly sponsored by Huntsville Hometown Drugs and Rexall Drugs. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth 18 and under. There is also a family pass available for $70.
Tickets are available at the Main Street box office by calling 789-4975 or online at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.
To learn more about the Ballet Jörgen company, visit www.balletjorgen.ca.
