reviewvancouver: Goh Ballet's Nutcracker

Marian Lara Falcon & Owen Tang
Photo: John A. Jane

Chan Goh, the gracious former top Canadian ballerina with the National Ballet of Canada and now Director and Artistic Director of Goh Ballet is a dance luminary. Goh Ballet was founded by Chan’s parents Choo Chiat Goh and Lin Yee Goh, former professional dancers in China. Goh Ballet celebrates their 50th Anniversary in 2027.

November 20th the Goh ballet led a dance preview of the upcoming lovely Nutcracker performance December 18-21 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver. The preview performance November 20th at the Goh Ballet Academy featured young dancers with extraordinary talent and creative excitement and energy that is boundless.

Chan expressed dance optimism that “ Really at the end of the day I am proud to put on the Nutcracker because with the state of the world I hope that the Nutcracker will bring people together.“ Young dancer Sophia, said “ Dance is a way I can express myself.”

Lead dancers in the Marzipan sequence
Photo: John A. Jane

Dancer Anna, from Vancouver, noted that ‘ With dance I can put my energy and passion into this world and it makes me happy.” According to another young talent, Loren, “ dance is my passion and enjoyment every day.” Another young talent, Joseph, feels that , “ dance is my life , my identity and something I can’t live without.”

Owen, one of the featured young male dancers, noted expressively that, “ Dance is my second home, where I can freely express myself.”

The Goh Ballet, with the artistic and beautiful guidance of Chan Goh, is a leading Canadian and International Dance School and Performing company. Goh Ballet first performed Nutcracker in 2009. It is now a must see on the dance calendar and applauded as a beautiful, enchanting performance.