It's a tag team effort to put together the 20th anniversary of Judy Russell's Nutcracker and the nicest part of that is Ashley Bradley and Kyra Sinclair who share the demanding role of Clara.
The Nutcracker, by Russian composer Tchaikovsky, is the story of mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer, who gives his favourite niece, Clara, a magical nutcracker during her parents' annual Christmas party.
The toy comes to life in Clara's dreams and transports her to a land of fantasy, where she and the Nutcracker Prince share many adventures.
Sinclair, 15, started dancing when she was three adding Highland dance lessons to her schedule at seven. She then resumed classes in a full roster of dance styles. Although she enjoys jazz, modern and contemporary her passion lies in ballet.
"This is my first Nutcracker and I didn't expect to get cast as Clara, so it's a dream come true," said Sinclair, who knows dance will always be part of her life.
Chris Larsen who was the original Nutcracker, now teaches at Judy Russell's Dance Centre and is taking to the stage as the Snow King. Larsen is Sinclair's ballet teacher, so she gets plenty of guidance from him at rehearsal.
"I am surprised at how many lifts there are in Nutcracker," Sinclair laughed. "You just throw yourself up there and trust the people that are below you."
Tristan Ghostkeeper is this year's Nutcracker and he and Sinclair have performed together in the past, she said.
"We're really comfortable on stage together and that makes it easier," Sinclair added. "And it's so nice to act the role of a 12 year old girl and being a kid again, being able to have fun and play around and really get into the character."
Judy Russell was Sinclair's first dance teacher and the relationship has continued throughout the years.
"I'm so grateful to her for everything she has done for me," Sinclair said. "I definitely learned to appreciate the super-hard classes that have led me to be the dancer I am now."
Ashley Bradley was unavailable for comment as of press time.
The 20th anniversary performance of Judy Russell's Nutcracker with the PGSO runs Dec. 16 to 18 with shows Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Reserved seats are $22 to $32 plus taxes and fees at Studio 2880, 2880 15th Avenue or call 250-563-2880.
