Carleton alumni gathered to watch the Pennsylvania Ballet perform George Balachine’s The Nutcracker Dec. 1 at the National Arts Centre (NAC).

The ballet was a rich presentation of the classic story, sparking enthusiasm from an audience that included 65 alumni and their families.

The Carleton University Alumni Association (CUAA) organized an opportunity for the university’s alumni to buy discounted tickets to The Nutcracker. The alumni association also held a pre-reception at the NAC.

“It’s important to keep alumni engaged with the university,” said Sarah Fee, the event’s organizer.  

Those in attendance socialized before the performance and then shared in the experience of watching a holiday favourite.

The Nutcracker was true to the traditional narrative and choreography of Balanchine, supported by the skills and artistry of the Pennsylvania Ballet. This marked the ballet’s NAC debut and their first international presentation of The Nutcracker, according to the event’s pamphlet.

From the moment the dancers were introduced onstage, the audience was immersed in a world of colour and texture. Each of the 190 costumes made by designer Judanna Lynn created a Christmas-like atmosphere, with details of gold and silver on many garments.

Elements like the triangles of cheese speared on the Mouse Army’s helmets, or Mother Ginger’s stilts and broad skirt encouraged laughter from the audience.

Other costumes, like the frosted turquoise skirts worn by the Snowflakes or the Sugar Plum Fairy’s classic ballerina ensemble inspired a different response — one marked by gasps and a sort of hypnotized, trance-like silence.

The set was also full of surprises. The Christmas tree was a standout feature, growing to twice its height during the first act. Accented by lights that moved along to the music, the tree came close in comparison to that of New York City’s extravagant Rockefeller Center.

Even though the focus of the night was the performance, alumni were enthusiastic to network and reconnect with Carleton.
Shawn Menard, president of the CUAA’s National Capital Region chapter, said in a speech “it’s important to come to these kinds of events.”                      
Tammi Varma, a mass communications alumna, said that events like this one “keep the Carleton pride alive.”