Queensland Ballet (QB) is kicking off the festive season with its annual production of Ben Stevenson’s The Nutcracker, with QB star and Principal dancer Camilo Ramos taking to the stage for the last time.
With lavish Christmas parties, whimsical snowy backdrops and enchanting adventures, QB’s The Nutcracker has delighted audiences for nine years in a row, as families young and old returning each season for the holiday tradition.
Cuban-born Ramos will be retiring from his professional ballet career after The Nutcracker season, performing his last show alongside his wife and fellow Principal dancer Yanela Piñera. After six years with the Company and 14 as Principal dancer, Ramos is taking up an exciting role in 2022 at the QB Academy.
“I’ve performed The Nutcracker with Queensland Ballet for many years and learnt about 10 different roles for the production in that time,” said Mr Ramos.
“It’s such a special production for the dancers, as we know Christmas is just around the corner when we start rehearsals. Each year we all try to add something new to continue bringing the magic to our audiences.”
“Dancing my last show with my wife Yanela will be very special. We have shared so many beautiful and unique moments on stage throughout my entire career. I still remember the first time we danced together 13-years ago, and that performance will be in my heart forever.”
“Dancing with Yanela has been the highlight of my career and I can’t imagine performing my last show with anybody else,” he added.
Mr Ramos’ last performances as the Nutcracker Prince can be seen on 16, 18 & 22 December 2021.
Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO envisioned The Nutcracker to become an annual tradition for Queenslanders to experience the magic of the festive season in ways only ballet can provide.
“This is our ninth year performing The Nutcracker, and year on year we see familiar faces in the crowd, as well as new audiences who are only just discovering the wonders of ballet,” he said.
“There’s something magical about giving an experience people can share together, and I think that’s what is so special about The Nutcracker. It warms my heart to see the community include us in their own family traditions,” said Mr Li.
Audiences will be whisked away at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve when little Clara finds herself embarking on the magical adventure to faraway places reigned by the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Light-hearted, dreamy and brimming with festive magic, The Nutcracker is the perfect way to rediscover the wonders of the season and share with family the traditions of Christmas.
Conductor: Nigel Gaynor | Choreographer: Ben Stevenson OBE | Featuring: Artists of the Queensland Ballet, Queensland Symphony Orchestra | Costume Designer: Desmond Heeley | Associate Costume Designer: Noelene Hill | Set Designer: Thomas Boyd | Lighting Designer: David Walters
The Nutcracker
Lyric Theatre – QPAC, Cultural Precinct, Cnr Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Bank (Brisbane)
Season: 16 – 23 December 2021
Bookings: www.qpac.com.au
For more information, visit: www.queenslandballet.com.au for details.
Image: Camilo Ramos in Queensland Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker – photo by David Kelly
Note: Queensland Ballet has put together its ultimate gift guide – with a range of suggestions for the festive season. Tickets for the 2022 season are now on sale.