Alberta Ballet is delighted to present its acclaimed rendition of The Nutcracker, choreographed by Edmund Stripe and designed by Emmy award winner Zack Brown. With performances at Edmonton’s Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium December 12-14 and at Calgary’s Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium December 18-24, this holiday favourite will also be touring to Ottawa as part of the 2014-2015 Season.

Set to Tchaikovsky’s treasured score, this spectacular multimillion-dollar production delights with glittering sets, lavish costumes, and enchanting dance. For each performance, nearly 80 students complement the company’s 34 dancers on stage. While on tour, the children are selected from the community in which they perform. Pre-show activities this year include Toy Soldier Teas, an enhanced family experience with lunch and crafts, in addition to audience favourite Sugarplum Parties and Storybook Corner.

This year, Alberta Ballet is proud to have the emerging artists of Alberta Ballet II joining the company on stage. Alberta Ballet II is an innovative project created to attract top-level dancers on the verge of professional careers in the dance industry. Alberta Ballet II's involvement in The Nutcracker will continue to showcase the versatility of these young dancers, and build on their experiences performing in Don Quixote and The Three Musketeers.

Tickets for shows in both Calgary and Edmonton start at $29 and are available by phone in Calgary at 403-245-4549, in Edmonton at 780-428-6839 or online at ticket.albertaballet.com.

Alberta Ballet, Western Canada’s largest ballet company, is currently celebrating its 48th season. Under the artistic leadership of Jean Grand-Maître, the company is at the forefront of the national and international arts scene. This season includes the Director’s Cut of Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, the world premiere of a new Carmen with Forgotten Land, and performances by guest companies Houston Ballet and Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo.