As the holiday season approaches, the timeless magic of Nutcracker returns to the stage—bringing with it the magic of the snowflakes, beloved characters, and the unmistakable joy of Tchaikovsky’s score. Ahead of this year’s performances, we spoke with two talented Royal Winnipeg Ballet dancers with close ties to British Columbia, Kyra Soo and Josh Hidson. Kyra grew up in and around Vancouver, while Josh completed his ballet training in Victoria, BC.
From favourite roles to formative experiences, personal inspirations, and the unique charm of RWB’s distinctly Canadian Nutcracker, the dancers offer an inside look at what it means to share this festive tradition with audiences across the country.
Dive into our Q&A with Josh and Kyra below, and get to know the dancers who help make the season sparkle.
Which role(s) do you perform in Nutcracker? Do you have a favourite moment or scene to perform in?
Josh Hidson: Drosselmeier and the Arabian pas de deux have always been my favourite to perform, but I’m super excited to have the opportunity to dance the Nutcracker Prince for the first time this season!
Kyra Soo: This year I’m performing Clara, Sugarplum, Aunt Josephine, Spanish, waltz soloist, and a few more! I think my favourite scene is the snow scene at the end of act one. Clara’s pas de deux with the Nutcracker prince is a very dynamic part of the role and Nutcracker doesn’t feel complete without the dance of the snowflakes!
Dancing with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet is a significant achievement. What was your path to becoming a professional dancer?
JH: For the longest time I would tell people I didn’t want to dance professionally. I always thought I would go to university right after high school and eventually do something in healthcare. It wasn’t until the spring of grade twelve that I decided I wasn’t done dancing, and proceeded to turn down my acceptance into the University of Alberta’s physiology program and move to Victoria for ballet school. There I completed a two year diploma in classical ballet and contemporary dance, and after a short guest-contract with Ballet Kelowna, I joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet as a corps dancer in the summer of 2019.
KS: I did most of my formal ballet training in my teenage years at Goh Ballet Academy in Vancouver. After graduating from their pre-professional program and high school, I auditioned for RWB’s Anna McCowan-Johnson Aspirant Program to complete my training. After spending a year in this bridge program between student and professional, I was offered a contract with the company which I was overjoyed with at the time and am so thankful for to this day.
What does performing with the RWB mean to you personally? What has your time with the company taught you as an artist?
JH: As a student, I never imagined that I would one day dance with the RWB. I’m super proud to have come this far, but also want to continue to push myself to achieve more with this company. After six and a half years here, every aspect of my performance has been influenced by my mentors and fellow dancers, and I strive to take all of this experience with me every time I go onstage.
KS: The RWB has given me so much opportunity to learn and grow as an artist. In my first few years I was learning how to navigate company life, enjoying dancing in the corps, and admiring the dancers that were already well established within the RWB that helped guide me. As I’ve gained more experience and danced in bigger roles, I’ve come to appreciate the rehearsal process more instead of wanting perfection right away. I feel very fortunate to work with many knowledgeable former dancers and continue to learn more about technique, artistry, and myself and how I want to approach my dancing.
You are originally from BC. How does it feel to perform in your home province?
KS: Having grown up in and around Vancouver, I had many formative experiences growing up dancing here, and it is always such a special feeling to return home. Being able to stay connected to the dance community in Vancouver is something I really value and love about being able to dance professionally within Canada.
What makes RWB’s production of Nutcracker unique or special?
JH: I’ve spoken with people from all over North America who genuinely say that RWB’s Nutcracker is their favourite. It’s the perfect mix of fun, beauty, spectacle, story, and classical ballet.
KS: Our version is truly Canadian, with touches like ice hockey to open the ballet and Ottawa’s parliament building in the battle scene. I love that the RWB’s version feels true to us while still showcasing the classical magic of Nutcracker during the holidays.
What advice would you offer to young dancers or artists who dream of a professional career?
JH: Don’t be afraid of the hard stuff! The sooner you try and fail, the sooner you can try and succeed.
Who or what continues to inspire your journey as a dancer?
JH: I draw a lot of inspiration from other art forms such as music, cinema, theatre, and visual art; these all help me find more nuance in the characters I play. From a more technical standpoint, I’m inspired by my fellow dancers who are all such powerhouses in the studio; it’s always a good challenge to keep up.
KS: I look up to many artists across different platforms, but some of my biggest inspiration comes from my peers and mentors at the RWB, as well as teachers I had when I was in school that have continued to help shape my career and the dancer that I am today.
What do you hope Vancouver Nutcracker audiences will take away from their experience at the theatre?
JH: I hope they are entertained and captivated by our performance! The Nutcracker is such a special and nostalgic production for so many; our version is so full of wonder and joy that folks are bound to enjoy themselves!
KS: I hope they can get swept away in the story and enjoy some holiday magic!
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