The Royal City Youth Ballet’s (RCYB) annual touring production of The Nutcracker usually features a great deal of local talent, and this year is no exception.
Surrey’s Katrina Testani is a soloist in this year’s presentation, dancing in the roles of Little Arabian and Harlequin.
The 12-year-old has danced in the RCYB show for three years and is among several local dancers involved, including Samantha Froh, Sophia Carroll, Madeleine Martin, Kylie Milliken, Desiree Kennedy, Paige Harrison, Chloe Choroszewski, Emma Salisbury, Tiffany Roan and Lee Taylor in his customary role as Drosselmaier, the toymaker.
The classic annual production is at the Surrey Arts Centre Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10 at 1 and 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1 and 4 p.m.
For the uninitiated, The Nutcracker, set to the music of Tchaikovsky, tells the story of a young girl named Clara, who receives a nutcracker doll from her uncle at a Christmas party.
She falls asleep and dreams that her gift comes to life, forming an army of toy soldiers, battling a Mouse King and taking her on a magical journey through the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets where they meet characters like the Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen.
A perennial favourite, the RCYB production, now in its 23rd year, is noted for its beautiful sets, extravagant costumes, and casts of talented, dedicated and enthusiastic young dancers.
For tickets, call 604-501-5566 or go online to tickets.surrey.ca
For the full tour schedule, check www.royalcityyouthballet.org