DANCE ZONE

Tuesday and Wednesday, November 1 and 2

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A glittering production of the Nutcracker will bring talented young dancers to the Swan stage. The EYB production features international principal dancers and showcases the talents of 80 young dancers from Buckinghamshire plus Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

The cast were selected in a big virtual audition this summer. The young dancers were sent a short audition piece to learn and then film themselves performing. The videos were submitted to EYB to choose the 80-strong cast.

More than 150 young hopefuls from the area prepared and sent videos. Those selected rehearsed for 60 hours over 10 days at weekends running up to the show.

Tickets can be bought at the Box Office at 0343 310 0060 or at www.wycombeswan.co.uk

EYB Director Janet Lewis said: “Since the past lockdowns with the many restrictions, the young dancers we are working with are displaying a sense of freedom that is boosting their self-confidence and wellbeing. The cast work hard notonly on their ballet technique but on their performance quality that expresses the part they are dancing. The incentive is to be back performing again in the theatre.”

If you've never seen the ballet, it's a festive treat. At a Christmas part, Clara is given a nutcracker doll by Uncle Drosselmeyer. That night she dreams that the Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince and together they embark on an exciting adventure.

They defeat the seven-headed Rat King and his army before traveling through the Snow Forest. Finally, they reach the glittering Kingdom of the Sweets where the Prince introduces Clara to the Sugar Plum Fairy. Divertissements of spectacular dances, each representing a sweet is given in her honour.

The sweeping Sugar Plum pas de deux with the Prince brings the dream to a glorious close with Tchaikovsky’s famous score playing in their minds.