The holiday classic will delight audiences of all ages with classical ballet, Ukrainian folk dance, and live accompaniment by the Victoria Symphony.
VICTORIA, B.C.— Ukrainian Shumka Dancers’ Nutcracker returns to the Royal Theatre from Nov. 28-30. Last presented by Dance Victoria in 2023, the production has become an audience favourite, heralding the holiday season like no other.
Touted as “Canada’s Ukrainian Nutcracker,” Shumka’s spectacular folk ballet offers a bold and refreshing take on the beloved wintertime classic, blending the grace and lyrical nature of classical movement with the strength and power of Ukrainian character dance. Audiences of all ages will be blown away by dancers’ explosive jumps and virtuosic kicks. Live accompaniment by the Victoria Symphony brings the iconic soundtrack to life and heightens the majesty of the performance.
“It’s a powerful expression of cultural identity and pride, something many communities are embracing and celebrating today,” shares Shumka’s Managing Director, Jake Tkaczyk. “By placing Ukrainian traditions at the heart of a large-scale production, Shumka reflects broader conversations about representation, inclusion, and the value of cultural heritage in shaping our collective story. Our intergenerational cast and community partnerships also speak to the power of the arts to bring people together, inspire young artists, and build bridges. In a world that often feels divided, this is a story that unites. And who doesn’t love a holiday story?”
As a testament to community collaboration, Shumka’s Nutcracker brings together more than 110 performers—including the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, local youth from the Veselka Ukrainian Dance Association, singers from Clara’s Dream Choir, and Victoria Symphony’s full orchestra—along with many more working behind the scenes. Dance Victoria’s largest production of the season promises a joyful celebration as we enter the holiday season.
One hour before each performance, audience members are invited to the RBC Sugar Plum Party, a pre-show lobby event featuring photo opportunities with Victoria Academy of Ballet dancers in full costume, hands-on craft stations, activities, and more. Dance Victoria’s presentation of Ukrainian Shumka Dancers’ Nutcracker is made possible with generous support from Season Sponsor Derma Spa, Lead Presentation Sponsors Langford Physiotherapy and JB Lawyers, Orchestra Sponsor Cameron Izard Snell Chartered Professional Accountants,and with public support from the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Government of BC, BC Arts Council, and the CRD Arts & Culture Support Service.
About Ukrainian Shumka Dancers
Established in Edmonton, Alberta in 1959, Ukrainian Shumka Dancers is Canada’s only professional Ukrainian dance company. Shumka presents dance-theatre touring productions as well as intimate concert repertoire across the country, and around the world. Seen by millions on international television broadcasts, the company has presented command performances for Queens, Prime Ministers, and Presidents, and performed alongside the likes of Andrea Bocelli and Julie Andrews, and Ukrainian artists including Ruslana. Along with Alberta Ballet and Edmonton Opera, Shumka is honoured to be a resident company of the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. More than 65 years of performance history has shaped Shumka’s signature music and dance style. While maintaining deep respect for their heritage, Shumka continually challenges conventional boundaries to define the experience of Ukrainian dance in the context of today’s society. Shumka.com.
Ukrainian Shumka Dancers’ Nutcracker
Friday, Nov. 28, Saturday, Nov. 29 | 7:00 pm
Saturday, Nov. 29 + Sunday, Nov. 30 | 1:00 pm
Royal Theatre
How to Buy Tickets
Visit the Royal and McPherson Theatres website for Box Office details.
Visit or Phone the Royal Box Office: 250-386-6121 or Toll Free 1-888-717-6121, Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Online: DanceVictoria.com
| Adult | Child | |
|---|---|---|
| Loge | $133.75 | $99.00 |
| Premium | $123.75 | $91.50 |
| A | $102.00 | $76.25 |
| B | $86.00 | $64.00 |
| C | $49.75 | $49.75 |
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 our studios in Quadra Village. Dance Victoria is a non-profit charitable society with the mission to cultivate a connection to dance by presenting and supporting diverse local, national, and international artists, and inspiring all communities through the magic of dance. Our vision is that everyone in Greater Victoria can experience the transformative power of world-class dance. 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