As Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) collaborated with China’s Suzhou Ballet Theatre to bring to Qatar Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, arguably the most popular of all ballets, young ballet dancers from Doha took part in the big-ticket show and played their bit in enthralling the audience.  
From Friday until today (last day), there have been performances of The Nutcracker at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), as part of the Qatar China 2016 Year of Culture. QPO is a centre in Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF). Reflective of QF’s aspiration to contribute to a progressive society, the performance aims to enhance cultural life in Qatar not only by virtue of artistic quality but by also offering an opportunity for children in Qatar to participate in such a special production.
In keeping with the spirit of Tchaikovsky’s writing of music for a children’s choir in the ballet, the Qatar Philharmonic Children’s Choir has partnered with the Doha Youth Choir and a group of Chinese children residing in Qatar in singing these rarely-heard parts. Moreover, Suzhou Ballet Theatre has been joined by seven young dancers from the International Centre for Music (ICM) in Qatar. However, the biggest benefit the concert offers, says QPO, is that it focuses on community development as part of Qatar Foundation’s vision; to help foster a progressive and enhanced cultural landscape.
Suzhou Ballet Theatre’s story to The Nutcracker begins thus: “It’s a cozy winter evening at the Grand Theatre. The performance of The Nutcracker has just finished. Suddenly, a mysterious guest arrives dressed in black. It’s the little mouse Mary’s Uncle Drosselmeyer.”
Marwan al-Werr, Managing Director, ICM, explained, “With education being one of the pillars of the Qatar Vision 2030, nurturing students at a young age to value the performing arts as well as music must be applauded.” Community caught up with al-Werr to know more about the young ballet dancers’ participation, and also about ICM.

Tell us about ICM’s young ballet dancers who are participating in The Nutcracker, and what will be their roles?
All eight dancers are young, talented ballet students from ICM, aged between six and seven. Their roles as mice are an integral part of The Nutcracker’s first Act. The children are aware that being asked to take part in such a landmark event in Qatar is a great honour. They will learn so much thanks to the enormously high standards that the renowned Suzhou Ballet and QPO demand. The eight young ballet students who performed in The Nutcracker are Fatima Khaled Khedr, Haya Ibrahim Elmolla, Lara Khorshed, Lady Rye T. Arrezaexams, Michaella Kristianto, Nai El Aawar, Sofiah C Apostol, and Yara al-Naemi.
 
Why was it decided to include children in this show?
Tchaikovsky included children in The Nutcracker. So ever since the ballet was first performed, children have always been featured in the production wherever it has been staged. This is the showpiece theatre production celebrating the innovative Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture. The reviews so far have been marvellous and are a tribute to the energy and hard work of all concerned. Everyone involved in the production has been understanding and supportive of our young students.
 How challenging was it to train the children for this particular ballet, and after two shows, how do you think their performance turned out in the end?
It was a demanding schedule for students so young, but the invitation to dance with a professional ballet company for the first time on such an important stage was an incredible opportunity for them. Under the expert guidance of Marija Rakic, ICM’s choreographer and an accomplished international ballet performer, tutor and event co-ordinator, they learned their roles after just four rehearsals. It was a tough but exhilarating few days but they can all be proud of their performances.
 
How is ICM playing a part in developing creative talents of the young lot in Qatar?
For more than 10 years now, the ICM has been operated by me and principal Olga Protopopova. It serves to develop music, dance and art education for students of all ages and across all communities in Qatar. In ballet and dance, ICM aims to develop young talent through group interaction. Pre-ballet classes are a perfect prelude to more formal ballet instruction.
From as early as age three, young children can learn the basic requirements, including posture, positions, shapes and traditions of classical ballet while achieving a stress-free level of suppleness and flexibility within a fun environment. ICM also has an exceptional group of dedicated teachers who guide students of all levels towards success in the internationally recognised ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal School of Music).