Tales of the Nutcracker in Gravenhurst will feature an eclectic mix of dance genres

Nearly everyone has at least heard of the Christmas classic The Nutcracker, which has traditionally featured purposeful ballet routines to tell the tale on stage.

It has also been a relatively slow-moving show that can at times lead to one nodding off during a performance.

Thanks to the vibrant Just 4 Kicks Academy of Dance, their adaptation titled Tales of the Nutcracker promises to be a lot more exciting as it mixes in several dance styles and music choices including hip hop, acrobatics, tap, contemporary dance, and of course ballet.

“Being a dancer all my life and going to the Nutcracker and nodding off, I though to myself, I would love to take this on and do something for our community that promotes our local dancers and at the same time brings out the tradition of the Nutcracker in a different way,” says Just 4 Kicks owner and artistic director Wendy Laidlaw.

Working with the Gravenhurst Opera House on the project, Just 4 Kicks is performing Tales of the Nutcracker on December 2 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and December 3 at 1 p.m.

Laidlaw notes that there kids in the show that are recreational dancers, not competitive dancers, who auditioned for the show and earned a role.

“The kids are excited because it’s not a competition, it’s a show and it’s a different perspective for them,” she says. “The joy of Christmas is evident, it’s even brought it out a bit more in me. They’ve been very receptive and excited and proud.”

Indeed both Abby Clark, 15, and Emily Marriott, 13, wore huge smiles when discussing the upcoming show.

“It’s been so enjoyable to work with all my friends and teachers,” says Clark, who has been dancing for over a decade at Just 4 Kicks. “We’ve been working so hard every week to make it work. We’re changing things, mixing things up. Things I’ve never even done before, we’re putting in. It’s a really fun experience.”

Marriott, who has been dancing for 11 years at Just 4 Kicks, is really happy to have the opportunity to dance with different age groups.

“It’s really cool because I usually don’t dance with these people because I’m younger than them,” she says. “It’s cool to dance with people older than me and get to know them.”

Clark, who is among the older kids, says even the younger dancers are really fun to be with because they’re smiling so much while on stage. She’s pumped about getting to try something different during the show.

““I like the pas de trois** at the end,” says Clark. “It’s ballet and I don’t do ballet a lot, but I love it.”

Marriott’s favourite routine is a solo that she’s been putting extra effort into, including showing up early at times to make a few adjustments here and there.

“I love my Sugar Plum solo, it’s a happy song,” she says. “It’s really cool to make it your own and really play with it.”

Laidlaw says getting to be on stage in a theatre adds to the magic of Tales of the Nutcracker for the dancers and their teachers.

“It’s been an incredible journey for them, to see kids that normally don’t dance together in a class dance together, to try different genres, to do a little bit of ‘acting’ and to be in a theatre,” she says. “As most dance families know, when you compete you don’t always get to be in a theatre. We’re blessed here to have the Gravenhurst Opera House.”

Clark and Marriott add some final thoughts and encouragement about why people should buy tickets to the show.

“It’s an experience,” says Clark. “We’re taking you on a little journey. I’m so excited for everyone to see it and their reactions!”

Adds Marriott: “It’s really entertaining and there is something for everyone because it’s all different styles of dance.”

Tickets to the show can be purchased through the Gravenhurst Opera House.

**The phrase “pas de trois” in classical ballet means a dance for three and is usually performed by two females and a male.