Embark on a Magical Journey with Cadance’s Nutcracker: Where Dreams Take Center Stage!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has graced us with your presence over the past 17 enchanting years. Your unwavering support and presence have allowed us to carry on this cherished holiday tradition, which has been lovingly built upon the foundations of the stories and experiences that hold a special place in your hearts. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.
Tickets still available? Check here
Nutcracker Director’s Report 2023
Welcome to the 17th year of our beloved Cadance Nutcracker! This year has been a journey, testing our strength as we are busy putting on a show while navigating through life's ups and downs. One thing is for sure we are so lucky to have such a wonderful Nutcracker family for support and love when times get tough.
First and foremost, let's talk about the remarkable strength and talent of our performers on stage this year. They have truly outdone themselves, with their exceptional skills and bringing the magic of the Nutcracker to life. Our dancers have worked tirelessly, perfecting their artistry to create a captivating performance.
I am delighted to take a moment to celebrate a special milestone for our family. It has been my eldest son's dream to perform the lead role in the Nutcracker since he was very young, and this year, that dream has come true. It is true that it takes a village to raise a child, especially one with a wild spirit. This remarkable achievement is a testament not only to his hard work but also to the invaluable guidance and support provided by the exceptional team of teachers and mentors who have nurtured and mentored him along the way. I am forever grateful for their unwavering belief and tireless efforts to help all the dancers reach extraordinary milestones like this. I am joining the many parents who shed tears of joy as they watch their children shine on stage. His two younger brothers will also be performing, and like many young performers, they look up to the senior dancers with awe, creating their own dreams for the future.
However, amidst the joyous celebrations, we also want to acknowledge the tragedies that have deeply touched our lives. It is with a heavy heart that we express our deepest sorrow for the loss of a beautiful young dancer Lydia Millet. Lydia and her family have been an integral part of Cadance Academy and our Nutcracker production since its inception. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. This year's Nutcracker is dedicated to Lydia, who was one of the sweetest people you would ever meet. Lydia was a shining star and her light went out way too soon. We will forever love and remember her.
In addition, our beloved Gary Darris and his wife Elaine, who have been an invaluable duo within our Nutcracker family for over 15 years, will not be participating this year due to personal challenges they are facing. Their radiant smiles added a touch of brilliance to the stage, and their positive energy contributed to the professionalism and elegance that you have come to appreciate and adore. We send our thoughts and best wishes to them and their loved ones during this holiday season.
As we reflect on these moments of both joy and sorrow, we are reminded of the true essence of the Cadence Nutcracker. It is a testament to the resilience and spirit of our community, where we come together to create something truly magical. We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of our loyal patrons who make this production possible year after year. So, as we embark on this magical journey once again, let us remember.
As we begin this enchanting journey once more, let's take a moment to appreciate the people who have made a difference in our lives and celebrate the incredible talent that lights up our stage. Together, let's embrace the pure delight that the Nutcracker brings during this festive season.
Wishing you all a season filled with love, laughter, and enchantment!
Warm regards,
Gaea Jess
The Story
The Nutcracker Ballet is based on the story “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice and dancers” written by E.T.A. Hoffman. Although what is seen on the stage today is different in detail from the original story, the basic plot remains the same; the story of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King and his mice.
When Marius Petipa had the idea to choreograph the story into a ballet, it was actually based on a revision by Alexander Dumas, a well known French author. His version reflects more of what we have come to love as the Nutcracker Ballet.
Act 1: The Party Scene
It is Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum house – A large and grand house with the most beautiful tree imaginable. They are hosting their annual Christmas party. Even the servants nd the mice are excited for the big event. Clara’s father gives her a tiara as an early Christmas gift. Fritz is being scolded by his mother for always giving Clara a bad time. The children, Clara and Fritz, are dancing and playing. Clara’s father gives a toast to Christmas. The party grows festive with music and dance. The children’s excitement heightens with the anticipation of the arrival of Clara’s godfather Drosselmeyer. He is a skilled clock and toy maker and always is full of surprises. When Drosselmeyer finally arrives he delights the party with a present of two life-size dolls. They are the hit of the party.
Drosselmeyer then presents the children with their gifts. Finally it is Clara’s turn to receive a gift. At this point her godfather decides to play a trick on Clara by indicating that his bag is empty. Clara becomes distraught. At this point Drosselmeyer produces the special gift: the Nutcracker, he has made especially for her. Clara’s brother Fritz becomes very jealous. He snatches the Nutcracker out of Clara’s hand and throws it on the floor and breaks it. Clara is very upset but Drosselmeyer quickly repairs him with a handkerchief he magically draws from thin air. As the evening grows late, the guests depart and the Stahlbaums congratulate themselves
on another successful party. They celebrate by dancing before retiring for the evening. Clara sneaks back downstairs to the living room carrying her beloved Nutcracker. Clara is so happy she does a dance with her Nutcracker and then falls asleep with him in her arms.
Act 1: The Fight Scene
Under the impression the living room is empty the mice of the house come out to take in the grand splendor of the Stahlbaums’ home. They discover the sleeping Clara and after consultating with one another, the mice decide to have a little fun. Soon the clock strikes midnight and strange things begin to happen. The mice become agitated as they sense the arrival of their King. The Mouse King makes his grand entrance. The mice immediately bow down to him. They start tormenting Clara and one of them rips the Nutcracker from her hands and runs off. Then a miracle happens: to everyone’s amazement, the Nutcracker comes to life. The Mouse King is angry for being caught off guard and after a short confrontation threatens to return with weapons, and they make a hasty retreat. This leaves a bewildered Clara who cannot believe that her toy Nutcracker is a real live man. The Nutcracker takes Clara to a place he thinks is safe and then quickly rounds up his soldiers and prepares for battle. The Mouse King and his mice waste no time in returning with their weapons and a battle ensues. The Mouse King sneakily grabs Clara during the battle and he knocks down the Nutcracker when he tries to rescue her. Clara is so upset that she takes off her shoe and strikes the Mouse King who falls down dead. The saddened mice pick up their king’s lifeless body and leave in mourning. Thinking the Nutcracker is dead Clara runs to him, but to her surprise he comes back to life. They are so happy they dance a duet. The Nutcracker is so grateful to Clara for saving his life that he decides to take her on a journey to the Land of Sweets. They set off on a sleigh ride led by angels taking them through The Land of Snow where they see the most beautiful Snow
Queen and her stunning snowflakes...
Act 2 : The Land of Sweets
The angels guide the Nutcracker and Clara to The Land of Sweets where they are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her attendants. The Nutcracker tells the Sugar Plum Fairy how Clara saved his life. The Sugar Plum Fairy then presents the brave Clara with a tiara. She calls for a celebration and tells Clara and the Nutcracker that they will dance for them. They start with: The Chocolates from Spain followed by; Reindeer; Peppermint Twists; Peacock Empress; Ribbon Candy; Trepak; Mother Ginger and the Waltz of the Flowers. Then the Sugar Plum Fairy reappears who dances beautifully for Clara and the Nutcracker followed by the Nutcracker himself. Finally it is the Final Waltz with everyone dancing including the Nutcracker and Clara who have their final dance together.
Once the merriment settles the Nutcracker takes Clara home leaving her sleeping peacefully.
Let the Nutcracker celebrations begin! Join us on Dec. 17th for a 3-hour party, filled with dance, games, and laughter. Open to ages 4 -10. Reserve your child's spot for a magical experience!
Spark your child's creativity! Join our Nutcracker Camp from Dec. 21-23, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Enroll your 3 to 6-year-olds for a magical experience filled with dance and fun crafts. Limited spots!
It is with a heavy heart that we relay the passing of Lydia Millett, a shining star, who was a dancer with our school for many years alongside her mother, Allison Carey-Millett (dancer and teacher), and sister Stella. All have been a part of Cadance Academy since forever and her loss is heartbreaking. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Lydia's family as well as to our dancers and teachers who grew so close doing what we all love. Lydia's memorial is Saturday December 9th at 11:00am at White Family Funeral Home in Kentville.
Cadance Academy
presents
our 17th Annual Performance of...
The Nutcracker
Music Composed By Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Cast: (in order of appearance)
*Names go in alphabetical order by last name
ACT 1
Entrance of Little Mice (Choreographed by Rachel Whitney)
Isla Cormie, Henry Gadon, Claire Landry, Iris MacKinnon
Preparing for the Party (Choreographed by Gaea Jess)
Butler – Odin Jess-Wegleitner
Maids – Lily Matheson-Wood, Emily Mei, Alexa Knein
Dr. Stahlbaum – Rodney Morrison
Mrs. Stahlbaum – Heidi Imlay-Price
Clara – Jasmine Imlay-Price
Fritz – Vahn Imlay-Price
Mdm Peacock – Colette Nap
Guests Arrival (Choreographed by Gaea Jess and Jennah Larkin)
Adult Party Guests – Anna Benoit, Elaine Boyd, Stephanie Gauvin, Dennis Humphreys, Debbie Huntley, Gary Huntley, Bram deGeus, Denika Lewis, Nathaniel Maxner, Rodney Morrison, Lucy Richard, Adrian Walsh, Diana Walsh, Kimberley Weir, Rachel Whitney
Drosselmeyer’s Nephew – Zachariah Imlay-Price
Fritz’s Friends – Everette Imlay-Price, Meryk Jess-Wegleitner
Clara’s Friends – Claire Asprey, Melrose Kinney
Party Children – Maya Beaudoin, Mary Cameron, Emily Hodges, Claire Jennings, Leigh Kennedy, Heidi McFarlane, Adeline Pynn-Sponagle, Axton Sharpe
Party Polka
(Choreographed by Jennah Larkin)
Arrival of Drosselmeyer
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess) Ward MacDonald
Harlequin Dolls
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess)
Sophia Cudmore , Ada May Levy
Distribution of Gifts
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess)
Nutcracker Dance
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess)
Trumpet Dance
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess)
Adult Waltz
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess)
Departure of Guests
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess)
Clara and Mice Encounter
(Choreographed by Rachel Whitney)
Emmerson Brown, Ada May Levy, Jaiana Sharpe, Brenda Solman
Mouse Queen Grand Entrance
(Choreographed by Rachel Whitney)
Rachel Whitney
The Transformation of the Nutcracker
(Choreographed by Aries MacDonald)
Soldiers Prepare for Battle
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess)
Gabriella Cuartero, Allison Fader, Beatrix Gadon, Rose Hand, Taleah Landry, Bianca Phillips, Lydia Rainforth, Lacey Smith
Mouse Queen and Mice Return
(Choreographed by Rachel Whitney)
Fight between Nutcracker and Mouse Queen
(Choreographed Odin Jess-Wegleitner)
The Final Defeat
(Choreographed by Odin Jess-Wegleitner)
Nutcracker and Clara Pas de Deux
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess)
Angels of Light
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess)
Claire Asprey, Mary Cameron, Charlotte Fraser, Julie Harris, Leigh Kennedy, Melrose Kinney, Arianna Stewart, Sarah Surette
Snow Queen and Drosselmeyer Pas De Deux
(Choreographed by Laila North)
Rhiannon Phillips
Frolicking in The Land of Snow with Reindeer
(Choreographed by Laila North)
Sophia Cudmore, Eliza Godfrey, Lucy Risser-Milne, Lily Zimmermann-Shute
Waltz of the Snowflakes
(Choreographed by Laila North)
Lydia Coldwell, Stephanie Gauvin, Jessica Height, Heidi Imlay-Price, Jennah Larkin, Emily Mei, Nathalie Parmentier, Lucy Richard
Intermission (20 minutes)
ACT 2
Sugar Plum Fairy, and everyone from the Land of Sweets welcome Clara and Nutcracker
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess & Laila North)
Sugar Plum Fairy – Lily Matheson-Wood (Saturday Show), Alexa Knein (Sunday Show),
Nutcracker – Odin Jess-Wegleitner
Flower Princesses – Jessica Height, Emily Mei
Flower Attendants – Claire Asprey, Lydia Coldwell, Melrose Kinney, Taleah Landry, Ada May Levy, Lydia Rainforth
Spanish Chocolate
(Choreographed by Laila North) Ward MacDonald, Colette Nap
Reindeer
(Choreographed by Laila North)
Sophia Cudmore, Eliza Godfrey, Lucy Risser-Milne, Lily Zimmermann-Shute
Peppermint Princess and Her Twists
(Choreographed by Laila North)
Peppermint Princess: Rhiannon Phillips.
Twists: Stephanie Gauvin, Heidi Imlay-Price, Nathalie Parmentier, Lucy Richard, Brenda Solman, Rachel Whitney
Peacock Empress
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess)
Lily Matheson-Wood (Sunday Show)
Alexa Knein(Saturday show)
Ribbon Candy
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess)
Roya Beaudoin, Sadie Corkum, Charlotte Fraser, Beatrix Gadon, Henry Gadon, Claire Landry, Iris MacKinnon, Arianna Stewart
Trepak
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess)
Everett Imlay-Price, Vahn Imlay-Price, Meryk Jess-Wegleitner, Leigh Kennedy, Bianca Philips, Lacey Smith
Mother Ginger
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess)
Mother Ginger: Dennis Humphreys; Mother Ginger Leads: Gabriella Cuartero and Zachariah Imlay-Price;
Mother Ginger's Children:, Isla Cormie, Hilda Hanavan, Claire Jennings, Heidi McFarlane, Axton Sharpe
Waltz of the Flowers
(Choreographed by Laila North)
Flower Princesses: Jessica Height and Emily Mei.
Flower Attendants: Claire Asprey, Lydia Coldwell, Melrose Kinney, Taleah Landry, Ada May Levy, Lydia Rainforth
Sugar Plum Fairy
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess inspired by original choreography by Lev Ivanov)
Lily Matheson-Wood (Saturday Show)
Alexa Knein (Sunday show)
Nutcracker Prince
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess)
Odin Jess-Wegleitner
Final Waltz
(Choreographed by Gaea Jess and Laila North)
| The local helping make it happen: |
|---|
 Visit our website for a FREE kids meal, on us. |
  |
 |
 |
 Visit our Website here!  |
  Visit our website to get some local under your tree this year! |
 |
 Want to know more? |
 Exciting news for businesses in the Annapolis Valley! Prepare to take your marketing efforts to new heights with our cutting-edge lead generation services and automated systems. We understand the importance of creating ads that not only captivate your audience but also generate valuable leads for your business. With our expertise, we provide comprehensive solutions that include not only lead generation but also the setup of efficient tracking systems and prompt response mechanisms. Our goal is to help you optimize your online presence, streamline your sales process, and ultimately boost your revenue. To get started on this incredible journey, we invite you to be among the first to benefit from our services. Simply email Sulutions@YourLeadLighthouse.online to be added to our exclusive waiting list. As soon as we launch in the Annapolis Valley, you will have the opportunity to receive an online presence audit that will uncover valuable insights and pave the way for your business's success. Don't miss out on this chance to revolutionize your marketing strategy. Join us as we embark on this exciting venture, and together, we will illuminate the path to business growth and success. |
PieceMeal online to your door.
Hey! Did you know you can come dance with us for 7 days, completely free of cost and commitments? All you have to do is click the image above to complete a short form, we'll get back to you with everything you need to come join us in a class or as many which work for you in 7 days! We sure can't wait to meet you.
Our final week of yearlong classes for 2023 is from December 11th to 16th, leading us into a well-deserved break. The Cadance office closes its doors on December 20th, reopening on January 2nd. Classes resume their usual dance rhythm on Monday, January 8th.
Artistic Director: Gaea Jess
Backstage Manager: Laila North
Costume Manager: Elaine Boyd
Props Manager: Keisha Levy
Front of House Manager: Linda Jess
House Manager: Radovan Marinkovic
Props Designers:Cameron & Linda Jess, Colette Nap, Paul Wegleitner
Here There Everywhere: Paul Wegleitner
Technicians: Trevor Barnaby, Cole Jordan, Alex Evans
Make-up: Jadzia Campbell
A HUGE THANK YOU to our sponsors, donors and everyone who assisted in making this years show a reality:
Boston Pizza - New Minas
Cadance Academy’s Team of Volunteers
DanceTime, Port Williams
Panda Print - New Minas
Noggins Corner Farm Market
Piecemeal Food - Kara Freisen
Staples - New Minas
Swanone Pilates & Training - Sherry Swanburg
The AVRCE Group of Schools
Evangeline Middle School
The Town of Kentville
The Town of Wolfville
Valley Events
Valley Family Optometry
Wolfville Chiropractic Centre - Dr. Ward MacDonald
Holly Carr - Original Silk Art:
"Land of the Sweets, "Growing Christmas Tree" and "Snowflakes Falling"
Let's savour these moments, Cadance family! Wishing you a December filled with dance, joy, and the magic of the season.Here's to a spectacular finale to 2023 and the exciting beginning of 2024!
Register Now
