Ballet brings Christmas classic to life

Three Moreton Bay Region ballerinas are among the cast of the Queensland National Ballet School’s performance of The Nutcracker.

On stage at the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre for two performances, the cast includes Redcliffe’s Imogen Sharpe as a sailor doll, Albany Creek’s Bianca Lungu as Clara and Gigi Osbourne of Eaton’s Hill, who also takes to the stage in the lead role of Clara.

Queensland National Ballet School principal director Tracey Fleming says The Nutcracker will bring together the whole school for the two performances.

“We have 120 in the cast, from the six-year-olds that are little teddy bears, to our 20-year-olds,” Fleming says.

“It’s really exciting that we can come together and do this.

“We’re ridiculously excited, especially because so many things have been cut because of COVID.”

Timeless classic

The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, who is given an enchanted nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve.

Unable to sleep, she creeps downstairs to find a magical adventure awaits her and the nutcracker.

“It’s a full-length ballet and it’s very festive, with lots of magic,” Fleming says.

“When the whole school comes together it’s just so beautiful because you see the younger kids watching the older kids and getting inspired.”

The Nutcracker is at the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre on December 7 and 8 at 7pm.

Tickets are $58 for adults and $48 for child/concession. Book here.

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