The United Ballet Company (UBC), in residence at the Vic Juba Community Theatre since 2021, brought The Nutcracker to two sold-out theatres in December 2025.
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The production, performed on Dec. 14 at the Vic Juba Theatre, also appeared at the Strathcona Performing Arts Centre, a new venue in Bonnyville, Alta.
UBC founder and director Sarah C. R. Makins praised the partnership with the Vic Juba staff.
“They are truly exemplary in all aspects, and the company looks forward every year to working with them on our newest production,” she Makins, who’s also the owner of Fame Dance Studios.
UBC trains dancers at Fame Dance Studios in Lloydminster and Bonnyville, offering programs for ages 7 to adult, including apprentice (7–12), intermediate (9–13), and senior/soloist levels (12+).
Makins said the company is guided by three core principles: promoting diversity in ballet by challenging traditional body-type standards, fostering a culture of kindness and support among dancers, and giving back to the community through complimentary tickets for youth groups, seniors’ homes, schools, and local workers.
This year’s Nutcracker featured guest soloist Hayley Ng from Toronto, Ont., who rehearsed remotely via Zoom. Makins said Ng, a professional dancer and physiotherapist, “is a uniquely talented and skilled dancer, with mesmerizing artistic interpretation.
Photo courtesy of Jessica LaForest
“She fit right into our company and we can’t wait to work with her again,” she said.
Ng previously performed soloist roles with Hamilton City Ballet, including Coppélia and Sleeping Beauty, and cites the Sugar Plum Fairy as her favourite role.
UBC performs three ballets annually, with the original production Toy Story set for Feb. 7–8. Next year’s line-up includes Frozen in October, the perennial Nutcracker at Christmas, and Swan Lake in February.
Makins said the company hopes to continue inspiring audiences of all ages to fall in love with ballet.
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