Dance Victoria is proud to present the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers’ Nutcracker at the Royal Theatre from December 1 through December 3, 2023, accompanied by the Victoria Symphony. Tickers are now on sale for this timeless Christmas classic.
Shumka’s Nutcracker blends the grace and lyricism of classical ballet with the strength and power of Ukrainian folk dance, leaving audiences exhilarated. Choreographed by Viktor Lytvynov and Shumka’s John Pichlyk, this production features principal dancers from the prestigious Kyiv Ballet of the National Opera of Ukraine. The cast of over 80 dancers will take the Royal stage including Ukrainian Shumka dancers, local youth from the Veselka Ukrainian Dance Association, and singers in Clara’s Dream Choir.
Applauded as “Canada’s Ukrainian Nutcracker”, the production incorporates Ukrainian traditions, folk and character dance, grand orchestral versions of the legendary score with specially added compositions, and Ukrainian symbols woven into lavish sets and costumes designed by National Artist of Ukraine Maria Levitska. The production unfolds to the grand orchestral sound of the legendary score with specially added compositions by the Honoured Artist of Ukraine Yuri Shevchenko.
Based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s beloved tale The Nutcracker, the performance is a graceful, joyfully conceived presentation of enchantment embracing a classic story of young Clara and her dream Prince. It begins when a young girl receives a Nutcracker doll from her godfather, Dr. Drosselmeier on Christmas Eve. As the clock in the Staulbaum home strikes midnight, the Nutcracker springs to life in a battle against the Mouse King. With Clara’s help, the Nutcracker and his battalion of toy soldiers defeat the Mouse King and his army, breaking a spell and returning the Nutcracker to his human form: a handsome prince. As a gesture of his gratitude, the prince takes Clara on a magical journey, where they meet a cast of unforgettable characters.
Ukrainian Shumka Dancers + Victoria Symphony
Nutcracker
Friday + Saturday, December 1 + 2, 7:00 pm
Saturday + Sunday, December 2 + 3, 1:00 pm
Join us for the RBC-sponsored kids’ Sugar Plum Party
12:00 p.m. for matinees and 6:00 p.m. for evenings
Tickets: $49.75-$119.50 • Special Kids’ Prices
Box Office: 250-386-6121 • Online: DanceVictoria.com
Nutcracker Kids
Dance Victoria is pleased to once again support local children and families facing financial barriers with free tickets to Nutcracker through our partnerships with local community organizations. With the generous support of donors like you, together we can make Christmas bright for lots of Nutcracker Kids!
A big thank you to Julie Rust and Greg Phillips of Rust Phillips Group | Engel & Völkers. Julie has been the Campaign Chair of Nutcracker Kids for several years now and we are grateful that she and Greg are continuing to generously support this program.
Please consider donating to Nutcracker Kids by calling Dance Victoria at 250-595-1829.
How to Buy Tickets
Phone: The Royal or McPherson Box Offices at 250-386-6121 or toll free at 1-888-717-6121 Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Royal Theatre is closed 1:00 to 1:30 pm)
Online: DanceVictoria.com
Visit the Royal and McPherson Theatres website for current Box Office details.
About Dance Victoria
Dance Victoria brings the World’s Best Dance to the Royal Theatre and supports the development of new dance for the international stage from its studios in Quadra Village. Dance Victoria is a non-profit charitable society. DanceVictoria.com
Media Materials
Email a[email protected] to request high-resolution images and other media materials.
Media Contact
Anne-Sophie Cournoyer
Marketing Manager, Dance Victoria
anne-sophie@dancevictoria.com
250-595-1829