Dream role in big-stage ‘Nutcracker’ for Surrey ballerina
Published 9:00 pm Friday, December 12, 2025
Dancing as Clara in The Nutcracker is a dream role for any young ballerina. Just ask Irene Cheliubeeva, a 12-year-old Surrey girl given the spotlight during Goh Ballet’s big-stage show at Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver.
From Dec. 18 to 21, Irene debuts as Clara as a dedicated member of the ballet company’s pre-professional Jewel Program, for high-achieving dance students.
In recent years the young Fraser Heights resident has danced in Goh’s The Nutcracker as Small Party Girl, Tall Party Girl and smaller roles.
“This year I am so happy to be Clara,” Irene said. “I am so grateful for Goh Ballet for giving me this opportunity. I feel so responsible and excited at the same time.”
Dedicated mom Tamara Cheliubeeva drives her daughter to rehearsals on Main Street in Vancouver.
“We heard about Goh Ballet Academy from our family’s friend,” Tamara recalled. “I found this ballet school so professional and didn’t want to change. Irene’s life changed a lot. The shows, events, galas, competitions, lots of rehearsals are on one side, and traffic, long rides from Surrey to Vancouver, lunches, homework in the car are on another side. But Irene loves everything. She is ready to live at Goh. I love watching her on the stage and will try to support her ballet journey.”
Now in its 15th year, Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker brings more than 250 performers to the stage, both young and old, in a production that promises pro choreography, regal costumes and Tchaikovsky’s enchanting music. Visit gohnutcracker.com for show times and tickets.
The production is a chance to “experience Clara’s dream come to life as she embarks on a magical journey through the Land of Snow, across the Lemonade Sea, to the Kingdom of Sweets where she is greeted by the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy. An unforgettable adventure awaits as her gallant Nutcracker battles the evil Mouse King and his army of mischievous mice.”
A dancer since age three, Irene is a confident young girl who clearly loves the big stage.
“When you’re little it’s all about the stickers and the applause,” she said about dancing, “and when you get older it’s actually, like, the technique that you love and the friends that you have.”
A student at Simon Cunningham Elementary, Irene says she’s excited to be the “star on the stage” in The Nutcracker “because you get so many of these magical scenes to be in. Do you want to hear one of my favourite parts that’s really funny? During the battle scene I have to help the Nutcracker defeat the Mouse King and I throw my shoe at him,” she said with a laugh. “Also, in the snow scene, I really like it there because of all the magic that happens on the stage.”
Does snow fall?
“Yeah, if you can imagine it,” she replied.
Goh’s is Vancouver’s only Nutcracker to feature a live orchestra (Vancouver Opera Orchestra) and international guest performers, directed by Leslie Dala.
Pre-show events in the QE Theatre lobby include a choir singing seasonal melodies, dances with Nutcracker characters and more.
“Every year we find new ways to bring imagination to life in this beloved holiday tradition,” explained Chan Hon Goh, executive producer and Goh Ballet’s general/artistic director.
“The celebration begins even before the curtain rises with our World of The Nutcracker experience. From the moment you step into the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, audiences are welcomed by the magnificent Mother Ginger along with holiday songs and scenic photo booths, as well as delights from the boutique filled with seasonal favourites.”
