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The company is the resident ballet of Anaheim and it offers outreach programs in the community, including Step Up!, an after-school community program that teaches dance but also lessons for life, Rosenberg said, adding the company’s slogan is “Anaheim Ballet, more than dance.” Scott Ramsay, Director of the theatre, said “This will be our third in-house Christmas show produced in Portsmouth and already word has spread on the quality and difference of our work. Actors are turning down work with big companies elsewhere to be part of the magic we’re creating here, and that’s wonderful.” The dynamic duo will victoriously fight the evil Mouse Queen and her minions to then journey through the Land of Sweets encountering characters from a myriad of countries including the novel, patriotic American! You won’t want to miss this incredible show and fundraiser. Safe Haven Ballet is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit that exists to serve the community with free trauma-sensitive ballet, art and movement classes for survivors of sexual assault and trauma.

The full ballet was unknown in the West until a production was staged at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London, on 30th January 1934, with Alicia Markova and Stanley Judson (followed in 1937 by Margot Fonteyn and Robert Helpmann). Since 1944 it has become a universal favourite, especially at Christmas time.This energetic trio were loud – both in their movement and costume – creating the ideal contrast to the more delicate performances we had seen so far. More than 50 dancers will bring the classic story to life this weekend in Anaheim before taking their production on its annual tour to Nevada where they appear at Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort. A notable mention has to be given here to Beatrice Parma, whose performance as Clara was captivating, an opinion I think was also shared by the man sitting next to me who uttered a "wow" under his breath after her dance with the prince.

Hoffman’s original work showed the dark side of human nature and was definitely not appropriate for children. Providing the malevolent edge this year is Neil Jennings, who’s professional career has included The Gruffalo alongside Shakespeare classics. His delicious take on the Mouse King will be one to be savoured. It is not confirmed, but it is implied that he had an owl, who travelled to the Four Realms to take care of Clara.

The show features children who are part of the Anaheim Ballet School, seasonal dancers with the ballet company and even an 81-year-old who for years has played the grandfather in the party scene. Interest in the ballet was created by the concert suite that the composer himself arranged from the ballet score and which was performed some nine months before the stage production. Why this happened remains a mystery, unless Tchaikovsky was afraid other composers might find out about his ‘secret instrument’ which he had specially brought from Paris: the tinkling celesta, its bell-like sound forever to be associated with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Along with their dance instruction, the performers also get training from a Hollywood actor, which helps flesh out their presence on stage, Rosenberg said. But students wanted to dance the classic and after much research into the original Tchaikovsky story, Rosenberg said she designed a version of the production that speaks to the intent of the composer and offers much more depth for many of the characters. The spirit of Tchaikovsky once again came alive at the Hippodrome on Friday night as hundreds turned out to watch Birmingham Royal Ballet's sparkling rendition of the classic show.