For years now, eight-year-old McKenna Durbin and her family have gone to see The Nutcracker every Christmas, revisiting the surreal tale of Clara and her nutcracker doll who comes alive, leading an army of toy soldiers against the evil Mouse King all of which may or may not have been a dream.
And this Christmas wont be an exception to the family tradition only this time, McKenna wont be in the audience. She will actually be on the stage, playing two parts in Goh Ballets production at the Centre for the Performing Arts.
When asked if shes a bit nervous about appearing in her first major performance and one of her favourites at that the shy McKenna gives me an honest answer.
Yeah, a little bit, she says. Umm
Her mother Toni laughs.
Youll be great, she says encouragingly to her daughter, wholl play a party girl and a little angel. Shes nothing if not determined and hard working.
The idea to audition came from McKennas grandmother when she noticed a call for auditions at last years performance.
I told McKenna that she could be up there next year because I danced as a little girl and Iwas in many shows, says Granny Pat, who lives in the UK. I was very impressed with the Goh Ballets interpretation. It was the best version that I had ever seen.
So come May, Toni adds, McKenna said she wanted to audition and she got the part.
Now in its fifth year, this years production of Goh Ballets Nutcracker was slightly uncertain after the sale of The Centre in May. It was bit stressful for the Durbins since flights were booked for Granny Pat and a grandfather from Ontario to see their granddaughters ballet début. But everything worked out and the show will go on.
Since the beginning of September, McKenna has attended weekly rehearsals ranging from one to three hours. Toni says their home is definitely in ballet mode right now.
We play the music around the house, were constantly pirouetting and turning around in the bedrooms, she says laughing. McKennas always bouncing around the hallways and in the kitchen.
The Goh Ballets Nutcracker runs from December 14 to 22. For more information go to GohNutcracker.com.
