Praise for all involved in The Nutcracker

THE reviews of The Nutcracker (ODT, 19.11.18 and The Star, 22.11.18) by the Royal New Zealand Ballet indicate the show was deserving of praise.

However, it took a letter to the editor

(ODT, 21.11.18) as well as the review in

The Star to make mention of the excellence of our own Dunedin Symphony Orchestra.

Sadly missing from both reviews was the charm and excellence of the 30 children from local and other Otago and Southland areas. The thrill of being selected to dance in the ballet with professional dancers was exciting enough for the children, but after the initial first practice in the school holidays they attended practices for hours every Sunday afternoon thereafter, learning and perfecting the dances.

During the week of the ballet, there were more practices at a ballet school, Burns Hall and Regent Theatre, all this while attending school, usual ballet classes and sports.

To me and others, their performances were as faultless as they were delightful. Surely some recognition of their commitment and participation was deserved.

R. McGregor

Dunedin

I WOULD like to endorse words written about the exhilarating and intricate playing of the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra at the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker.

Their music helped make the story magical and exciting as did the dancing of the children, who I am sure had spent many hours at tiring rehearsals.

I thank them sincerely for their delightful dancing. Gaynor Haig Wakari