Calgary ballerina earns coveted role in National Ballet's The Nutcracker
A Calgary girl is no longer just dreaming about sugar plums and fairies; she spends a good deal of her day dancing with them, too.
At only 12 years of age, Camryn Visser has been chosen to dance the lead role (commonly known as Clara) in the National Ballet of Canada’s upcoming production of The Nutcracker.
“This has been a dream role of hers to perform for many years, and she is loving the experience of dancing with principal dancers from the company,” said Camryn’s mom, Lisa Visser. “Her whole dream has come true this week.”
The lead role honour is just the latest in a rather remarkable year for the young dancer, who has long aspired to be a part of Canada’s prestigious ballet company.
Camryn’s whirlwind 12 months began in November 2016 after Camryn auditioned in Calgary for the National Ballet School and was one of three girls selected to attend a month-long summer intensive in Toronto. From there, she was one of four out of more than 30 students selected to attend the full-time Professional Ballet Program for Grade 7. She lives in residence on the National Ballet School grounds where academics and ballet training are combined.
“It was a really, really hard decision. She’s only 12. It was a huge transition for her. But it’s always been her desire to attend this so she never hesitated.”
It was clearly the right move as, in October, she was hand-picked out of 40 National Ballet School students to dance the role of the main character.
“It was an over-the-top honour for her, especially as she was feeling like the new girl. We are so beyond proud of her success at such a young age,” Visser said.
“It’s been a few months of excitement and reward for her. And it’s good confirmation for us as parents. It’s confirmed she is where she needs to be.”
Camryn is in the final week of rehearsals, with the opening show Dec. 9 and continuing until Dec. 30.
“It’s phenomenal,” Visser said. “I was there on the weekend watching the rehearsals. It’s beyond stunning.”
Each year, more than 250 students from both Canada’s National Ballet School and Toronto-area high schools participate in The National Ballet of Canada’s production of The Nutcracker.
Choreographed by National Ballet School graduate James Kudelka, this version of The Nutcracker tells the story of Misha and Marie (changed from Clara), a quarrelsome brother and sister, and their friend Peter, the stable boy. With Baba, their nurse, and Nikolai, their eccentric neighbour, the children travel from winter to spring and from childhood to adolescence.
This has been a dream role of hers to perform for many years, and she is loving the experience of dancing with principal dancers.