The Nutcracker has been captivating audiences for over a century, becoming a beloved family favourite during the winter season.
This year, the classic ballet returns to the stage in Aberdeen, showcasing some local talent.
Scottish Ballet has selected 16 local children to be part of the cast, with siblings Zara and Leo Watt among them.
Zara was a three-year-old when she first watched the famous ballet – and now she has a starring role.
She told STV News: “I’m very lucky to do it because we had to audition to get in, and it was really fun. When I got the email, I was just really excited
“My friends are happy for me, and they keep asking me questions about how it’s going. When I’m off school, they say, ‘Oh, well done, you’re really lucky.’”
STV NewsWhen the curtain rises, eight-year-old Leo steals the limelight in his role as a street urchin.
“As the street urchin, you’re basically really poor and hungry, and you really want one of the sweets the granny has. They keep saying no, and eventually, they say yes. It’s exciting,” he said.
The talented siblings have been rehearsing for months, alongside 14 other local children who make up the rest of the cast.
It’s been ten years since Scottish Ballet first premiered The Nutcracker, and its famous story – a little girl swept into a fantasy world when her Christmas present comes to life – remains a holiday favourite.
The brand-new production brings fresh life to this classic masterpiece.
Artistic director Christopher Hampson said: “The Nutcracker is really important to Scottish Ballet because it was inspired by our founder, Peter Darrel, nearly 50 years ago.
“We’re drawing fresh inspiration from his spirit of innovation as we revisit this classic. It’s got fresh choreography from some of the dancers, and I’ve added some choreography too, so it’s a real spectacle.”
STV NewsFor the aspiring dancers, performing on stage at His Majesty’s Theatre is the realisation of a childhood dream.
Though both Zara and Leo admit they’ll be a little nervous, they’re eager to take the stage alongside their favourite professional dancers.
“You can’t really see the audience, which is fine because it makes you feel like another rehearsal because of the bright lights, but when you have your mouse head on, you can’t see anything anyway,” said Zara.
Leo, on the other hand, admitted: “I’m always nervous going on stage!”
Both siblings will take part in The Nutcracker’s final performance at Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday February 1.
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