{"id":2619,"date":"2016-12-17T14:46:21","date_gmt":"2016-12-17T21:46:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/?p=2619"},"modified":"2019-06-15T19:32:11","modified_gmt":"2019-06-16T02:32:11","slug":"the-nutcracker-twirls-into-calgary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/crackmacs.ca\/?p=2619","title":{"rendered":"The Nutcracker Twirls Into Calgary"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Nutcracker by The Alberta Ballet<\/h2>\n

Every parent lives for the moment when their child gasps in absolute wonder and, thanks to The Nutcracker by The Alberta Ballet, I was\u00a0given that incredible gift over and over as we\u00a0took in The Nutcracker for the first time.<\/p>\n

A quick summary of The Nutcracker story from The Alberta Ballet:<\/p>\n

Enter a Kingdom of Sweets, fall in love with a Sugar Plum Fairy, and bravely face an army of mischievous mice. In its authentic Russian setting, this intimate portrayal depicts a deeply romantic world complete with enormous Russian spoons and miniature mice. Introducing children to a world of art and culture, their young imaginations will light up as they relish in the legendary world of young Klara and her Nutcracker Prince. An experience to be cherished, a story to be a part of, we\u2019re proud to share the most spectacular Nutcracker performance with you and your family.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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The Nutcracker Rehearsal<\/h2>\n

We were\u00a0invited to attend the dress rehearsal and take a few photographs to share with you. Mini, our daughter, and I decided to only watch the first half as we had tickets to attend the opening night performance. We wanted to leave the second half as a surprise\u00a0and we are SO glad that we did!<\/p>\n

\"The
The Nutcracker: Photo by Crackmacs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A dress rehearsal is when\u00a0the ballet company stages the entire production in front of an audience for the first time. It’s a chance to work the kinks out and fix\u00a0any technical issues. I chose to sit beside the folks from the Alberta Ballet who were in charge of stopping the performance when\u00a0something needed to be addressed. I could hear every word and I found it a most fascinating experience. There were questions about how\u00a0fast the snow was falling, a stoppage to cue mice into the correctly timed position (the CUTEST mice ever I might add!), and a few minor things here and there. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the performance that I saw in the evening!<\/p>\n

\"The
The Nutcracker: Photo by Crackmacs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Made Foods Pop Up Restaurant<\/h2>\n

Before the opening night performance Mini and I were delighted to dine at the Made Foods<\/a> pop up restaurant headed up by Chef Andrea Harling.<\/p>\n

Made is a locally born business that is known for its strong connection to Calgary. Made is passionate about sourcing their ingredients from the best local farmers and suppliers and preparing every dish with love. With the added knowledge and experience of Chef Andrea Harling, formally of Brava Bistro, Made works with the best people in the community to make healthy, sustainable, delicious food that Alberta Ballet is proud to share with you.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This dining experience is held before each performance of The Nutcracker during it’s Calgary run. A banquet style setting in a beautifully decorated winter wonderland greeted us. There was traditional roast beef dinner items with a yummy twist, as well as a well-stocked dessert table that distracted all the kids and most of the parents! Not me though, I was firmly settled in front of the Yorkshire puddings. Mini disagrees and proclaims that the chocolate covered almonds and kettle corn were the best things ever. I can agree with that!<\/p>\n

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One plate is mine, one is Mini's. Guess which! \ud83d\ude02 #NutcrackerMagic<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/GFMQe9GOVT<\/a><\/p>\n

— crackmacs \ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08 (@Crackmacs) December 17, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n