Peninsula teens star in new instalment of The Nutcracker at the Concourse Chatswood

A quarter of the cast in a new instalment of The Nutcracker comes from the northern beaches. See the amazing pictures of the show’s stars, which are taken at Manly Wharf.

Nutcracker performers Emily Enright, Grace Frazer Sneddon and Lauren Peach at Manly Wharf. Picture: Monique Harmer

• Calls for safety review of Jump Rock in Manly
• Minister steps in to stop school phone tower plans

The northern beaches seems to have a talent for producing incredible ballerinas.

In this year’s Sydney City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, a quarter of the dancers are from the peninsula.

Nutcracker performers Milla Loock and Georgia Cosgrove at Manly Wharf. Picture: Monique Harmer

From back row: Grace Frazer Sneddon, Emily Enright, Lauren Peach, Milla Loock, Georgia Cosgrove, Alexandra Sartor and Ariah Mandenoplay Snowflakes in The Nutcracker. Picture: Monique Harmer

The pre-professional company which sees the stars of tomorrow performing alongside ballet professionals is again putting on the Christmas classic at The Concourse, Chatswood.

Former principal of the Australian Ballet, Lucinda Dunn, is the artistic director of the full-length show and said she was surprised to see how much young talent was coming out of the northern beaches.

“I think we have some real stars of the future,” she said.

Ms Dunn, who also grew up on the beaches, was Australian Ballet’s longest-serving ballerina.

Snow Queen performers Elle Roper and Morganne Spiers with The Nutcracker artistic director Lucinda Dunn. Picture: Monique Harmer

Morganne Spiers, Pearl Arrowsmith and Elle Roper star in The Nutcracker at Chatswood. Picture Monique Harmer

Alexandra Sartor and Ariah Mandeno play snow flakes in The Nutcracker at Chatswood. Picture: Monique Harmer

Ms Dunn, who lives in Frenchs Forest with her husband and two girls, aged 8 and 11, is now helping to forge the careers of up-and-coming ballet stars at Tanya Pearson Academy, where she also studied.

“The dancers are so hungry to learn,” she said. “With this performance they get to take on different roles over seven shows. It’s a great experience for them.”

The young stars will perform with former principal of the Salzburg Ballet Daniel Asher Smith who plays Drosselmeyer, the Australian Ballet’s principal dancer Robyn Hendricks and soloist Callum Linnane dancing the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince.

Elle Roper and Morganne Spiers are part of the cast of The Nutcracker at Chatswood. Picture: Monique Harmer

Up and coming star Pearl Arrowsmith, 18, of Forestville, shares the major role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Elle Roper, 15, of Manly, shares the role of the Snow Queen, with Morganne Spiers, 15, of Elanora Heights.

Lara Bothwell, 16, of Seaforth; Georgia Cosgrove, 14, of Belrose; Emily Enright, 16, of Warriewood; Grace Frazer Sneddon, 16, of Balgowlah; Milla Loock, 16, of Queenscliff; Ariah Mandeno, 16, of Manly; Lauren Peach, 14, of Balgowlah Heights and Alexandra Sartor, 15, of Manly all play Snow Flakes.

Lucinda Dunn poses for a photo near Manly Wharf. Picture: Monique Harmer

The show runs from December 19 to 22, with matinee and evening performances. To buy tickets call the box office on 1300 795 012.