Nine is celebrating 60 proud years of the Queensland Ballet with a special presentation of Christmas in July: The Nutcracker on Saturday, July 25, at 12.30pm on Nine and 9Now.
Viewers are invited to dust off their decorations, try their hand at their plum pudding recipe and indulge in this festive family tradition to get into the Christmas spirit this July and bring some magic to 2020.
Offering rare insights into the lives of our top dancers, viewers will be taken behind the scenes to witness their commitment to the art of ballet and see the carefully curated costumes responsible for transforming them into festive characters.
This production marks the return to the stage after 18 years of retirement for Queensland Ballet artistic director, Li Cunxin AO, the man who inspired the acclaimed book and movie Mao’s Last Dancer. Li is nostalgic about his role in the Christmas classic as it was the first ballet he performed when he moved to the West almost 40 years ago.
Li reflects on the success of the Queensland Ballet in connecting people and dance for the past 60 years, creating a culture of creativity and collaboration and establishing itself as the central hub for dance in the Sunshine State.
“During these challenging times, this special presentation of The Nutcracker is keeping the magic alive by sharing a story of festivity and spirit. It is a meaningful way to acknowledge the wonderful milestone of 60 years of the Queensland Ballet company,” Li said.
In The Nutcracker, viewers will be introduced to outstanding performers including Lucy Green who transforms herself into the Snow Queen; Mia Heathcote who plays the protagonist Clara; senior soloist Vito Bernasconi; and principal dancers Yanela Pinera and Victor Estevez.
The famous ballet follows the journey of Clara who, on the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, finds herself embarking on the magical adventure of a lifetime when her gift, a nutcracker, comes to life.
Viewers will be whisked away with Clara to the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets to be entertained by performances that include the Arabian Dance, Gopak, Dance of the Mirlitons, Waltz of the Flowers and The Sugar Plum Pas de Deux.
The full performance of The Nutcracker will be available on 9Now via www.9now.com.au.
