Queensland Ballet looking to spread some Christmas Joy

Queensland Ballet in association with Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) presents Best of The Nutcracker on December 4 and 5 at the Concert Hall, QPAC.

Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO said The Nutcracker has been an annual tradition in Queensland for the past seven years.

“Reception and our ticketing team have been fielding requests for The Nutcracker for weeks. Due to time and budget constraints we were unable to proceed with the full-length ballet this year, however, we have decided to do a one-hour special performance titled Best Of The Nutcracker.

To add a bit of Christmas cheer to those adversely affected by COVID-19 during 2020 Queensland Ballet is giving away 1,000 tickets.

“It’s been a tough year, but we have so much to be grateful for and we wanted to give back to the community. We are asking people to nominate someone they think is deserving, either through adversity or through their exemplary work to the community,” he said.

“It could be someone in frontline services who went above and beyond, a volunteer, or simply someone who wasn’t able to work this year who needs a pick-me-up,” he said.

The show will feature highlights from Ben Stevenson OBE’s production including the much-loved Kingdom of the Snow from Act 1, and then crowd favourites from the Land of the Sweets including the Arabian and Russian dances, Waltz of the Flowers and the famous Sugar Plum Fairy pas de deux.

“We did not want to let the events of the past year to stop us from doing our beloved season favourite, and we thank QPAC for coming on board to make it possible,” Mr Li said.

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said he was pleased to be able to support the production.

“We’re really pleased to be able to support Queensland Ballet to make this season of Best Of The Nutcracker happen in what has been in so many ways, an awful year,” Mr Kotzas said.

“In times of uncertainty, nostalgia and things that are familiar to us can be comforting and restorative. With Best Of The Nutcracker and favourites like A Christmas Carol and our beloved Spirit of Christmas, I hope this is what we can bring to communities over this festive season.”

“This one-hour show will be a fantastic way for young families and members of the community to have an introduction to the world of ballet. We have done our best to keep ticket prices as affordable as possible with big discounts for the family passes,” Mr Li added.

The season will be performed at QPAC’s Concert Hall over two days, with one show on Friday 4th December, and three shows on Saturday 5th December. Tickets start at $30 for children, $50 for Queensland Ballet season subscribers, $60 for adults, and $150 for families.

Queensland Ballet wishes to thank its partners for their ongoing support including Principal Partner Suncorp, Governments and Australia Council for the Arts and our major Partners, Sealy and Shell’s QGC Business.

Nominations close Thursday 26th November at 8pm AEST. To nominate head to www.queenslandballet.com.au/nu..

For ticket sales head to queenslandballet.com.au or call QPAC 136 246