Meet Yellowknife’s dance dads in the Nutcracker ballet

Bella Dance Academy’s annual production of the Nutcracker showcases kids of all ages in various dance disciplines. Also on stage? Parents.

“It’s more fun than just watching the kids behind the scenes,” said Curtis Naphan, who is performing alongside his 14-year-old son, Bertie.

“I can learn a bit of what he learns, at a lower level.”

The Nutcracker ballet, composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, dates to 1892. It was popularized as a Christmas ballet in the 1950s, becoming a holiday tradition for dance companies in North America and families who watch the story told through music and movement.

Yellowknife’s Bella Dance Academy invites parents to take part in a different way than many productions, by appearing on stage in roles typically performed by professional dancers or older students.

Phoenix Smith, owner of Bella Dance Academy, said it’s an exciting opportunity for parents to share an experience with their kids.

The parents dance on stage with children during a party scene at the beginning of the story, when the main character, Clara, receives the nutcracker toy as a gift.

“This year, there were so many adults that I actually had to turn some away, just because it’s not possible to fit that many bodies on stage with all of the kiddos as well,” Smith said.

Gareth Connell, who is performing with wife Quin and six-year-old son Henderson, said his dad never made it out to any events for him and his sister growing up.

“Now, you’re seeing a lot more engagement from parents,” he said.

“I remember being dropped off and [told], ‘OK, we’ll be back in an hour to pick you up.'”

“Times are different now,” said Adrien Barrieau, parent to Olivier, 14. They’re both performing in the party scene and even interact on stage for a short sequence.

Barrieau said his father would have never done anything like this.

“When my son was five, we took him to see [The Nutcracker]. And then afterwards, instead of saying he wanted to see it again, he said he wanted to be in it,” Barrieau said.

Smith feels this kind of support for art, and the ability to be vulnerable on stage, helps to build a father-son relationship.

“That activity is valued, especially for those teenage boys whose dads are also on stage,” Smith said.

“They might not have any background or experience, but they are willing to try it and to be in front of crowds, and to be in a costume.”

Smith said that kind of presence shows a child that this activity is important.

“I don’t really have stage fright,” Naphan senior said of learning the choreography with no formal dance training. He said Smith makes it approachable.

“By the time of the dance, you’re kind-of ready,” Naphan said. “It’s fun to be part of it and to interact with the kids, and see your kids dance.”

Barrieau agrees that learning the choreography can be challenging, but not impossible.

Kyle Rogers, who is taking on the role of the butler, agrees that it’s always fun when the parents are on stage.

“It’s a bit chaotic in rehearsals but I think the end production is really good, and I think the audience enjoys it,” he said.

Not everyone involved in the party scene is a parent and community members like Kyle welcome the opportunity to perform.

Katie Johnson, who is part of The Nutcracker alongside her two children, says her son Eddie, eight, has been able to participate for the past several years and her husband, Trevor, will be joining him on stage.

She previously approached Bella Dance Academy and asked if there was a role she could take on with her son, who has autism.

“Last year, both kids were party children, so Trevor and I joined them as their party family,” Johnson said.

Trevor Johnson cherishes the experience he gets to share with his family.

“Things like this only get to exist in a city like this if people step up and volunteer and fortunately, people are willing to do that, because it’s great for our kids,” he said.

“It’s, frankly, one of the fun things there is to do in town around Christmastime.”

Naphan’s son, Bertie, thinks it’s great his dad is performing. “He’s very good at his role,” he said.

The Nutcracker is running at NACC from November 28-30.