The classic Christmas ballet The Nutcracker is coming to Cochrane, but with a bit of a twist.
The Nutcracker (In a Nutshell) is the reinvention of the classic Christmas ballet by Soulocentric Performing Arts that has been choreographed specifically for children from babies to age six, although people of all ages are welcome.
Jenny Repond Peters, artistic director of Soulocentric Performing Arts, said the performance would consist of 30-second snippets of each act with three dancers performing.
“It is done very simply. It is more physical theatre and a little bit of comedy involved, because it is taking such an iconic piece and kind of crunching it down,” said Repond Peters.
Although the performance is in its third year, this will be the first year the performance comes to Cochrane. This is something Repond Peters is excited about because she grew up in town and was involved in The Nutcracker as a young performer.
Repond Peters said the idea for The Nutcracker (In a Nutshell) came about when she became a new mom and wanted an environment where moms would feel welcome. Repond Peters said she wanted to be able to allow children to see the ballet without sitting for a performance for three hours. The Soulocentric performance creates a flexible atmosphere where they don’t ask that kids sit still, but instead encourage them to talk and ask questions, making it interactive.
“Part of creating the success of the event is just letting parents know that they are welcome there and their children are welcome there, whatever mood they are in,” she said.
Repond Peters pointed out that one of the successes of the program is that after the performance the children are invited to the stage to do some dancing and some theatre with the artists.
“The kids really like that opportunity to interact with the artists,” she said. “Dance can engage really young children because kids love to move. The parents love it as well, because of the exposure, especially at such a young age.”
Repond Peters said that The Nutcracker really resonates at this time of year and has become an iconic part of Christmas, with the music and costumes signaling the Holidays.
“I think at the very core of it, it is a great story. There is so much variety and it is such a whimsical tale,” she said.
The Nutcracker (In a Nutshell) is playing Dec. 4, 5 and 12 at Cardel Theatre in Calgary and Dec. 20 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Cochrane RancheHouse Theatre. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for children and free for infants 18 months and under. They can be purchased online at soulocentric.org or by calling 403-971-0108.
