Some classics deserve to be revisited because they have become emotional touchstones, evoking pleasant memories with very little effort.
Goh Ballets performance of Tchaikovskys The Nutcracker deserves to be an annual tradition because no matter how many times we watch it, its magical moments fill us with a sense of wonder.
Saturday nights performance radiated with the dancers joy. When matched with the magnificent costumes, sets and live accompaniment by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, an aura of sheer luminescence fills the Centre in Vancouver for the Performing Arts.
Months of practice and hard work go into each scene whether its the cute-as-a-button mice or gently swirling snowflakes or masterful solos and yet, as highly accomplished as the dancers are, what strikes you the most is how much fun theyre having. Their happiness is transmitted directly to the audience members who, no matter how old they are, feel as if theyre re-capturing the excitement of a Christmas morning. Its such a gift.
This is the fifth anniversary season of Goh Ballets Nutcracker and the fresh delight in the performance ensures that it truly has become a cant-miss Christmas tradition in Vancouver. For the first year, performances are spread over two weekends so if you want to put a little magic into your holidays, you can get tickets for Dec. 20, 21 (matinee and evening), and 22 at GohNutcracker.com.
