While it was two days after Christmas, festive energy could still be felt inside Centennial Concert Hall on Dec. 27, the closing night of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s (RWB) Nutcracker. Although this marked the end of a 26-show run that began on Nov. 26 and included touring dates across the country, the company’s performance was of such quality that one might have guessed it was opening night.
Commissioned in 1999 by former artistic director André Lewis and choreographed by Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon, this production infuses the classic tale with uniquely Canadian-inspired elements, such as playing hockey on an outdoor rink (with dancers on rollerblades), a battle in front of Parliament Hill, and the hilarious antics of Filbert the Bear (aspirant Paige Irwin), which elicited many giggles from the theatregoers.
Corps de ballet artist Julianna Generoux, a graduate of the RWB School, conveyed the innocence and grace of the older Clara, going from the imaginative young girl to a beautiful princess. She displayed elegance and poise in her execution, moving as if she was floating across the stage.
Generoux was partnered by the charismatic Marco Lo Presti as her Nutcracker Prince. The second soloist executed his parts with graceful athleticism, battling the Mouse King (second soloist Liam Saito) with flair before going from soldier to romantic lead, partnering Generoux with effortless strength during their dances, particularly their grand pas de deux in the second act.
The two dancers were a well-matched pair. Speaking to the Manitoban in early December, Generoux said that both were “very expressive dancers.” This was on full display, as each of them fully disappeared into their characters, believably portraying young Clara’s dream of growing up and falling in love with her “Prince Charming.”
The ballet thrives on its strong ensemble cast, with several dancers getting moments to stand out. Corps de ballet artist Kyra Soo pulled double duty as Clara’s glamourous Aunt Josephine in Act I, performing what felt like an endless number of fouettés to loud cheers, and as the magical Sugar Plum Fairy in Act II. Soo never lost a beat with the demands of each role, carrying a magnetic stage presence.
Principal dancer Stephan Azulay, as Clara’s godfather Drosselmeier, acted as a sort of “master of ceremonies” throughout the ballet. The enthusiasm in Azulay’s dancing was infectious, and it was clear from his performance that this is a role he loves to perform.
Other notable moments included the intricate ensemble dances “Waltz of the Snowflakes,” “Waltz of the Flowers” and the sultry, acrobatic “Arabian” pas de deux, performed by second soloists Katie Saito and Joshua Hidson, which left the audience in a trance.
Alongside the company’s dancers were an equally impressive slate of guest performers. Manohar Performing Arts of Canada performed an enchanting sargam, and the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers — siblings Mikey, Jacob and Cieanna Harris, accompanied by fiddler Brendan Chartrand — impressed with fancy footwork in their Red River Jig. And who could forget the fan-favourite Rusalka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, whose lively, raucous performance was rewarded with one of the biggest ovations of the night.
A key aspect of Nutcracker is its showcase of young talent from the RWB School. Young dancers from the recreational division appeared as party guests, angels, mice in the Mouse King’s army and as fluffy polar bear cubs, whose appearance in the ballet charmed the audience.
Selected from the professional division for the coveted role of Young Clara, Mirabelle Ciezak was an appealing young heroine, beaming from ear-to-ear as she danced among the company, showing remarkable confidence for her young age. Madison Keats was endearing as Clara’s mischievous younger brother, Dieter, and Daniel Bekker was a steady partner to Ciezak as Drosselmeier’s great-nephew, Julien.
The dancers and conductor Monica Chen took their final bows with celebratory “snow” falling from the ceiling and the audience on their feet, a fitting end to a fantastic performance.
For those who didn’t get to watch the show this year, fear not — the annual production will return in December next year. If it’s anything like this year, it will be well worth the wait.
For more information on the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, visit rwb.org.
