The Nutcracker
"I have honestly not seen such an enjoyable Nutcracker in years"
Kenneth Spiers, Mail on Sunday
It is the Christmas party in the Stahlbaum household and the young Clara is given a beautiful Nutcracker doll. After everyone has gone to bed and the house is quiet, Clara returns to be with her Nutcracker doll and discovers that he can take her on magical adventures through the land of the Mouse King, dancing snowflakes and the wonderful land of sweets.
Performing the Principal roles are Sara-Maria Smith as Sugar Plum Fairy and Jonathan Barton as the Prince. Sara and Jonathan are both graduates of the Ballet West Upper School where they achieved their ARAD and Solo Seal of the Academy. They have successfully competed in classical ballet competitions and both won medals at the Genee International Ballet Competition. In addition to their work as Principals in most of the classical repertoire they have had roles created especially for them in new works.
In addition to their work with Ballet West Sara has worked for the Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, English National Ballet and Scottish Ballet and Jonathan has worked for English National Ballet and continues to guest with other companies in the UK and abroad. Scottish audiences have been delighted to see Sara and Jonathan back performing this most popular pas de deux.
The choreographer for this magical seasonal classic is Alexander Bennett. Born in Edinburgh, Mr Bennett achieved international acclaim in the Ballet Rambert and the Royal Ballet. Throughout his years as a principal dancer in both companies he partnered such distinguished ballerinas as Dame Margot Fonteyn & Lynn Seymour, and worked with many of the great choreographers including Peter Darrell, Sir Peter Wright and Sir Robert Helpmann. This production was the last full-length work completed by Mr Bennett.
“The Nutcracker” is an essential part of wintertime, a wonderful escape for children of all ages into a magical world of snow, sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Contact us today on 01866 822641 or by email
Photographs of Students are Copyright © Lesley and Harvey Wolfinger
