Alberta Ballet Unveils Revamped Nutcracker for Holiday Season

The Alberta Ballet is set to present a newly reimagined production of *The Nutcracker* from December 3-7, 2023, in Edmonton, followed by performances from December 12-24, 2023, in Calgary. Under the direction of artistic leader Francesco Ventriglia, this beloved holiday classic has undergone a complete transformation, featuring fresh choreography, costumes, and set designs.

Ventriglia, who has a personal connection to the ballet, having performed in it since childhood, is excited to bring his vision to life. “I completely rechoreographed the entire ballet, from the first to the last step,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to crafting a unique experience for audiences. His version draws inspiration from the era in which P.I. Tchaikovsky composed the ballet, incorporating art nouveau style costumes designed by Gianluca Falaschi that were handmade in Rome.

Innovative set pieces have been created using 3D printing technology in Germany, with significant elements such as Drosselmeyer’s workshop and the castle crafted in-house. Ventriglia aims to balance the enchanting spirit of *The Nutcracker* with an elegant and sophisticated presentation. “It’s such a beautiful music score, and I wanted to do something fun and colourful, as *The Nutcracker* is meant to be,” he explained.

The last major update to the production occurred in 2022 under choreographer Edmund Stripe, who modernized Act 2 by replacing traditional international dances with confectionery-themed choreography. This move aimed to eliminate cultural appropriation and stereotyping. Ventriglia, who originates from Italy, has chosen to reinstate these international dances into the production, advocating for a perspective that celebrates cultural diversity. “Instead of talking about cultural appropriation, we need to talk about cultural celebration,” he said. “This is beautiful. Why do we need to get rid of it?”

Ventriglia also aims to refresh certain aspects of the classic narrative, particularly the famous battle scene between soldiers and mice. Traditionally, soldiers have been depicted with rifles. In his rendition, Ventriglia will replace these with toy weapons, adding elements such as canons that shoot confetti. “This is a story for kids,” he remarked, reflecting his broader vision for the production. He noted that his approach is rooted in nostalgia, recalling his own childhood experiences of Christmas. “I tried to remember when I was eight and what Christmas was for me,” he explained.

Another highlight of this year’s production is the return of principal dancer Kelley McKinlay, who will appear as a guest artist in the role of Drosselmeyer after retiring alongside his wife, Reilley McKinlay, in 2023. Ventriglia promises that audiences can anticipate “lots of surprises” during the performances.

Over the years, *The Nutcracker* has captivated generations, offering a window into the magic of Christmas through a child’s perspective. Ventriglia encapsulates this sentiment, stating, “It’s about fantasy. It’s about an elevation of reality. It’s making the world more beautiful and more colourful than it is.”

Tickets for *The Nutcracker* range from $82 and are available for purchase at jubileeauditorium.com. The Alberta Ballet’s commitment to delivering a revitalized and enchanting performance promises to make this holiday season a memorable one for audiences in Alberta.