Nine-year-old Kristen Grant from Awakeri Primary School is set to take the stage this December in a dazzling new production of The Nutcracker at Auckland’s Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, with the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB).

Kristen, who lives in Whakatāne, takes solo ballet lessons under Hannah Lane at Hannah Lane Coaching in Tauranga and at the Te Puke Ballet Studio Ballet Conservatoire every week.

She began dancing at age five – her first ballet classes were with Susan Nel at Whakatāne’s Dance Ffun studios – and has been passionate about ballet ever since.

“I just tried it and really enjoyed it,” Kristen said. “Now that I’m older, I love doing dance competitions and seeing my friends.”

Her hard work and dedication have already earned her impressive recognition.

In September, she won the prestigious Auckland Caledonian Dancing Society Under 10 Scholarship, adding another achievement to her growing list of dance successes.

It was Kristen’s ballet teacher who encouraged her to audition for The Nutcracker.

“I was excited and nervous,” she said. “They put us in groups of 20, then cut 10 each time before we went back in for the next round.

“I felt really shocked and excited when I was chosen – it was my first ever audition, and there were so many amazing kids.”

Out of the 88 children who auditioned, only eight girls and four boys were selected – making Kristen’s success even more remarkable.

Kristen and her mum are driving to Auckland every third weekend for rehearsals and will be staying in Auckland for the duration of the performance in December.

“It’s a big commitment,” said her mum, Kathryn Grant.

“We’re both learning a lot about what’s involved, but it’s a really special opportunity.”

This year’s production of The Nutcracker promises to be a spectacular event. Described as “a timeless celebration of family, fantasy and growing up”, the RNZB’s new staging adds a uniquely Kiwi twist – from nostalgic childhood summers at the beach in Act I to a magical journey through the snowy Southern Alps in Act II.

Created by RNZB artistic director Ty King-Wall, with designs by Tracy Grant Lord, lighting by Jon Buswell, and visual effects by POW Studios, the production will be accompanied by a live orchestra conducted by Hamish McKeich.

Performances run from December 4-13, with tickets starting at $40 for children and $65 for adults.