Prepare to be transported to a world of enchantment and wonder as Cadance Academy proudly presents its dazzling rendition of the beloved classic, The Nutcracker! In this mesmerizing production, the iconic roles of the Nutcracker and Clara will be brought to life by the exceptionally talented duo, Odin Jess-Wegleitner and Jasmine Imlay-Price. These two extraordinary dancers, who have shared the stage since childhood, are now fulfilling their lifelong dream of gracing the spotlight together, adding a special touch of magic to their performances.

At just 14 years old, Odin, our youngest ever Nutcracker at Cadance Academy , brings a wealth of experience from his training at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and his intensive summer program at the National Ballet of Canada. Not only will he captivate you with his exceptional talent as the Nutcracker, but he has also choreographed the thrilling battle scene. Odin’s dedication and passion shine through as he embraces this significant role, promising an unforgettable experience for our audience. Odin had this to say about getting the opportunity to perform the lead role of the Nutcracker:

“I’ve been a part of the Cadance Academy family all my life and since I can remember, dreaming of becoming the Nutcracker someday has always been my passion. It used to feel like a distant goal, something far off in the future, and at one point it was. But this year, after auditioning again, I got the role! I feel incredibly honored and excited, but also a bit nervous about living up to the legacy of the amazing Nutcracker dancers before me. I also have the privilege of choreographing the battle scene, which is a dream come true. I really hope you all can come see the show this December. Your support means the world to me!”

Jasmine, another rising star trained at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, embodies the essence of Clara with grace and elegance. Her heartfelt portrayal of this cherished character reflects a dream come true, heightened by the unique opportunity to share the stage with her own family. Jasmine says this about getting the part of Clara:

“I can hardly believe it, but my dream of being Clara has finally come true! I’ve envisioned this moment for as long as I can remember, and now it’s actually happening – it feels surreal! When I found out I got the role, I was so overwhelmed with joy that I literally fell to the ground and cried happy tears. What makes it even more special is that I get to share this experience with my friends and family. My own mother and brother are joining me on stage, making it a truly unique and heartwarming family affair. At Cadance, we’re more than just a dance group; we’re a close-knit family. The Nutcracker holds a special place in my heart, shaping my life in the most wonderful ways. I can’t wait to bring this magic to the stage and share it with all of you!”

Adding to the excitement are our talented new choreographers, Rachel Whitney and Collete Nap, who are bringing fresh creativity to the production. Colette, a retired architect, has infused her expertise into redesigning the sets and props, promising a visual feast for the eyes. Her dedication to choreographing the Adult Waltz in the Party Scene showcases the collective effort and enthusiasm of our entire team, ensuring a performance that delights both the eyes and the soul. Colette has this to say about her experience: “I’m super excited to be so deeply involved in Nutcracker this year!  Absolutely honored that Cadance has trusted me with choreographing the Adult Waltz in the Party Scene. All the dancers are working so hard and doing very well at learning the new dance. I’m so impressed and I thank them all for their efforts and enthusiasm! Cadance has also given me free rein in sprucing up old sets and designing new sets for the Party Scene. As a retired architect, it’s so very fulfilling to be flexing my design muscles again and this time with the added bonus of working in the fantasy world! Ultimately, I hope the audience loves the show!”

Moreover, our double casting of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Peacock Empress, portrayed by Alexa Knein and Lily Matheson-Wood, adds an extra layer of brilliance to our show. Lily, in particular, expresses the joy and fulfillment of achieving her dream role, embodying the magical spirit of the Sugar Plum Fairy with grace and poise. As a graduate, her bittersweet farewell to Cadance’s Nutcracker adds a poignant touch to her performance, making it an unmissable experience for all.

Join us on this extraordinary journey on December 9th at 6:30 pm and December 10th at 2 pm at the Festival Theatre in Wolfville. Let the enchanting melodies, breathtaking choreography, and heartwarming performances whisk you away into a world where dreams come true. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a tradition that will undoubtedly fill your heart with the holiday spirit!