Cadance Academy’s Nutcracker Returns: An Interactive Holiday Tradition for the Whole Family

This December, Cadance Academy invites audiences to step into a world of beautiful music by Tchaikovsky and holiday magic as it presents its beloved annual production of The Nutcracker at the Festival Theatre in Wolfville. The academy’s version adds a delightful interactive twist: from the opening scene, young members of the audience will be invited onstage to become adorable mice and festive reindeer, and at the final curtain every child (or child at heart) in the theatre will be welcome to join Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, a bigger and better Mother Ginger, and the Gingersnap kids for a cheerful Nutcracker dance party. It’s not just a performance to watch — it’s one to be part of.

This year’s production features familiar faces and exciting highlights. Mother Ginger will be portrayed by Heidi Price, who celebrates her tenth year performing in Cadance’s Nutcracker. Price describes the show as a treasured family tradition: “I started dancing in the Nutcracker with my daughter and then my three sons joined in as well — it has become a favorite family tradition.” Her experience and warmth promise a larger-than-life presence that will delight audiences young and old.

An Interactive Holiday Tradition for the Whole Family

The iconic pair of the Nutcracker and Clara will be danced by Odin Jess-Wegleitner, returning for a third year, and Claire Asprey. Asprey, known within Cadance for her expressive acting, welcomes the challenge of Clara’s complex emotional journey. “The character of Clara has a lot of acting and being on an emotional roller coaster; this role will truly test a dancer’s acting ability. I am so excited to really bring this character to life on stage,” she says. Their partnership is set to bring both technical skill and heartfelt storytelling to the production.

Adding dramatic flair to the cast, Lily Zimmermann-Shute takes on the role of the Mouse Queen and says she is drawn to darker, more complex characters. As a Cadance graduate, Zimmermann-Shute’s performance carries a bittersweet note, making her portrayal one audiences will not want to miss. The elegant Sugar Plum Fairy will be performed by Sydney Ewert, a Cadance teacher and professional dancer. Ewert looks forward to the challenge of the grand pas de deux and to sharing that magical moment with opening night audiences.

For young attendees, the interactive elements transform a night at the ballet into an immersive holiday memory. Children who join the mice and reindeer early in the show experience the thrill of performing onstage, and the finale’s inclusive dance party fills the theatre with energy, laughter, and celebration. Odin Jess-Wegleitner captures that excitement simply: “I can’t wait to see everyone at the Nutcracker this year as this one will be one to remember!”

Cadance Academy’s production of The Nutcracker takes place on December 13 at 6:30 p.m. and December 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the Festival Theatre in Wolfville. With charming choreography, stirring performances, and a warm, family-focused spirit, this production promises to be a memorable start to the holiday season. Bring family and friends, give your children the chance to take center stage, and join Cadance Academy for an evening of music, dancing, and joy that will stay with you long after the final bow.