CBYE Media Releases

November 6, 2006 - Media Release

The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble Presents an
All-Canadian Performance of the Nutcracker Ballet

Members of the Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble (CBYE) will keep one of Hamilton’s holiday traditions alive this year as they perform the Nutcracker Ballet with renowned Canadian dance company, Ballet Ouest de Montreal.

The CBYE has presented annual performances of the Hamilton Nutcracker Ballet for almost a decade, reaching audiences of close to 15,000 people.

The Nutcracker tradition symbolizes the purity of Christmas and the innocence of a child’s dream; it’s the quintessential fairytale story by E.T Hoffman set to music by famed composer, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.  This tradition is brought to life through the talents of young dancers in the Nutcracker Ballet. 

“The Christmas season can be one of the most magical times of the year for many people,” says Belma Diamante, president of the CBYE. “The Nutcracker Ballet brings a sense of imagination to the lives of children and adults.”

The CBYE is proud to announce that dancers will share the stage with Ballet Ouest de Montreal, under the artistic directorship of Margaret Mehuys. Prima ballerina of the Winnipeg Ballet, Vanessa Lawson, will make a special guest appearance in this year’s performance.

“We’re so excited to present an all-Canadian production of the Nutcracker again this year,” says Ms. Diamante. “The Nutcracker is an outstanding way to showcase the talent of young aspiring dancers in Hamilton.”
The CBYE is a not-for-profit charitable corporation and highly recognized as a creative and vital force in promoting the growth of the arts in Hamilton and abroad. 

Over the years, more than 500 talented students from the CBYE have been given the opportunity to perform with professional artists.  Through the Nutcracker Ballet, members of the CBYE can showcase their talent in a world-class facility, Hamilton Place. 

Music will be performed by the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of conductor, Michael Newnham, from the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra. 

School matinees are offered on Thursday, Dec. 7 and Friday, Dec. 8 at 10:30 a.m. 

Public performances will take place on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 9 at
2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec 10 at 2 p.m.

A private matinee performance for corporate groups has been set for Sunday, Dec. 10 at  2 p.m. All performances will take place in the Great Hall of Hamilton Place. 

Tickets for the Nutcracker Ballet are now on sale at the Hamilton Place Box Office and all Ticketmaster Outlets.  For ticket information, call 905-527-7666 or visit www.ticketmaster.ca.

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Media admission complementary by accreditation.  For corporate group ticket information, or to arrange interviews, contact Megan Bidwell, Hellingman Communications Inc., 905-527-2985, extension 13.