RED DEER COLLEGE
RDC continues festive tradition with The Nutcracker

The evolving COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant challenges to public performances, but with safeguards and creative planning, Red Deer College is continuing its magical holiday tradition by presenting Pyotr Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker ballet through a host of online video options.

"RDC is extremely proud to once again help showcase the talented dancing of central Alberta youth in The Nutcracker, which is one way to help cultivate the festive spirit over the coming months," says Dr. Peter Nunoda, RDC President. "Despite the inability to watch the performance in person this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the ballet is bound to entertain and enhance connections in the surrounding communities with this collaborative effort between College students, instructors, dancers and community members."

For over 100 years, Tchaikovsky's perfect score and epic battle of mice and toy soldiers has mesmerized audiences. When young Clara receives a treasured Nutcracker from her mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer, mystical things begin to occur when everyone goes to sleep. The Nutcracker is a tradition that resonates with viewers of all ages as the magic of the season comes alive in a creative blend of artistic expression.

Preparation for The Nutcracker has looked different for 2020, but the skill and enthusiastic performances remain at a premium level. The 37 dancers, who are between the ages of five and 18, have been diligently practicing in cohorts while following health and safety protocols, as identified by Alberta Health Services (AHS) and RDC.

Using picturesque outdoor locations around Red Deer, RDC's students and instructors from the Bachelor of Applied Arts, Film, Theatre and Live Entertainment program have helped film and edit scenes of The Nutcracker. Beginning on December 14, the general public will have unique options to view the production online, including through rental and standard purchase of a digital copy.

The Nutcracker Extended Edition, which will be available to buy between December 20 and January 8, contains exclusive footage of rehearsal, along with interviews from Tania Strader, Choreographer and Director, dancers and film crew. These bonus features allow viewers to have a glimpse behind-the-scenes into the unwavering hours of practice and preparation, while gaining insight from the dancers and crew through a collection of candid conversations, which are unavailable on the other rental and standard purchase options.

With several choices to view The Nutcracker, an entire family can conveniently watch the holiday classic for one price. Fans who purchase the video performance, which was adapted from E.T.A Hoffmann's story, have the benefit of reliving the cherished ballet well into the future.

For more information about The Nutcracker, including how to order, please visit: rdc.ab.ca/nutcracker.