The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is going to perform seven shows of The Nutcracker at the National Arts Centre December 4th through 8th.

Complete with frolicking bears, majestic Mounties, and a snowy pond hockey game! This Nutcracker is a jubilant, shimmering, Canadian holiday treasure that honours tradition while adding a playful homegrown touch. Join young Clara in her fairytale reverie through glittering winter landscapes where an enchanted nutcracker becomes a valiant soldier, the mischievous Mouse King wreaks havoc, and the dazzling Sugar Plum Fairy holds court in an exotic land. We were privileged to attend the dress rehearsal for Tchaikovsky’s beloved masterpiece in the majestic Southam Hall earlier this week. If you are able to join in on the fun, see if you can pick out the Canadian themes. Spot the Bay blanket, the Busby hat guard, a house in Winnipeg at the turn of the century, RCMP, and even a hockey game at the very top of the show. Here are a few pictures to get you into the holiday spirit!