Though for some, the lead up to Christmas time is yet to fully set in, September has seen the beginning of ‘Nutcracker’ season – and the dancers from the Victorian State Ballet couldn’t be more excited.
Michelle Sierra, the Managing Director of the Victorian State Ballet, admits that ‘The Nutcracker’ is, and always will be, one of her favourite ballets, partly because of the way it connects with audiences year after year.
“I think ‘The Nutcracker’, because it’s created, composed and choreographed for Christmas time, it has that Christmas theme very strongly throughout it, and that’s from the musical score, through to the set up of choreography,” she said.
“The whole magic around Christmas is really evident, really present there, so that’s why it makes it really exciting, and that’s why people come and see it every year, because it’s just part of the festive season.”
Michelle worked on the choreography for the ballet, something she said has been an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
“It’s really nice because it’s very simple in terms of the storylines, so you just need to really enjoy the process of putting together some choreographic ballet skill for the enjoyment of each particular land, rather than focusing too much on the story. It’s just one big magical land, I have to say,” she said.
Elise Jacques plays Clara in the production, one of her favourite roles to date. With ‘The Nutcracker’ being a traditional and classic ballet loved by all, everyone has their favourite part, including Elise.
“My favourite part would probably be the fight scene between the rats and the prince, so my doll comes alive, and I think that’s a really magical part for the audience,” she said.
“You see him become my hero pretty much and fight the Rat King, and then there’s this beautiful pas de deux that goes into the interval where we first kind of meet in real life and dance together. That’s a really special part for me.”
The Victorian State Ballet has already begun their ‘Nutcracker’ season in Melbourne.
“Once ‘The Nutcracker’ season starts, there’s just magic in the air, I have to say,” Michelle said.
“Going into the theatre as well, just setting everything up, there’s a real buzz to it. It’s just a very big part of our end of year festivities here in Australia and all over the world.”
Now, they couldn’t be more excited to bring the show to Riverside Theatres this month.
“We’re really excited to bring it to the audiences of Parramatta. We travel a lot with this ballet, and everywhere we go, everybody loves it, and we love it too,” Michelle said.
“We’re really excited to also have our meet and greet with the audience after, and have some photos with any of the young aspiring dancers, or any of the young kids that would love to have a photo with Clara or with the Nutcracker Prince or the Sugarplum Fairy.”
‘The Nutcracker’ will be on at Riverside Theatres on Friday, October 14 at 7.30pm, and on Saturday, October 15 at 2pm and 7.30pm. Tickets start at $41. To book, visit riversideparramatta.com.au.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.