By Tracey Toh
Singapore Dance Theatre’s current production, The Nutcracker is a delightful performance perfect for ringing in the holidays and rounding up the year.
Based on the classic tale about a living nutcracker and set to one of Tchaikovsky’s most beloved compositions, the play transports you to pre-WWI Shanghai where a young girl named Clara embarks on a whimsical adventure and meets the Snow Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, after receiving a beautiful doll at a Christmas party.
The slow start and scene-setting meant the dancing itself only really began in Act 2, but what a treat it was when we finally got to the good stuff. In the enchanted land ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy, a whole array of characters from the sultry flamenco-inspired dancers to Arabian princesses put on a show for two little children visiting this magical place – as well as for the audience. Plenty of partnering work and gravity-defying jumps had everyone leaning forward and craning for a better view, particularly when the Sugar Plum Fairy, played by Rosa Park, made her entrance.
This production marks the last for the talented principal ballerina as she retires and takes on a teaching role. The hearty applause from the audience and standing ovations were a testament to the many fans she had won over in her years of dancing for the company, leaving no doubt that she will be dearly missed.
It was also a special evening as we counted among the audience children from MINDS, Pathlight School and Eden School, many of whom had never watched a ballet or even been in the Esplanade before. Enjoyable as the show was, it was made all the more heart-warming with the knowledge that these beneficiaries would take away with them a cherished memory. The true spirit of giving that marks the Christmas season has indeed been honoured.
