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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, November 18, 2016 | 26 n i s s e n i s Bu Oakville Oakville Ballet's The Nutcracker a holiday classic By Danielle Leonard Each holiday season, students from Oakville School of Classical Ballet (OSCB) perform The Nutcracker at The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. An Oakville holiday tradition that began more than 30 years ago, The Nutcracker is an elaborate full-length production led by Amanda Paterson, artistic director for the OSCB. The spellbinding performance, featuring the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky follows Clara's whimsical dream that whisks her through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets. While there, she and her brother Fritz encounter the Sugar Plum Fairy and her prince, along with dancers from faraway places. This annual production is a treasure for all ages during the holiday season. The professionally produced ballet showcases students in the company's comprehensive training program and as well as guest artists. Students of the rigorous classical ballet program are accepted from all over the world through an audition process. "Each year, dedicated and talented OSCB students, from the age of seven and up, audition for an opportunity to participate in the production," said Paterson. "This year, in addition to the nine Oakville performances, a special invitation was extended from Guelph Symphony Orchestra to stage and perform the Act I family scene and Snow Pas de Deux at the River Run Centre on December 11." The school's outstanding faculty is made up of dance professionals with extensive performing and teaching experience. Children are eager to learn and take pride in their accomplishments, whether they are enrolled in the recreational or professional programs. Dedicated to nurturing their technical and artistic talents, the school trains students to master various styles of technique to respond to the demands of choreographers and company directors. Emphasis in the younger classes is placed on the pleasure of movement and musicality, with the development of technique evolving through the levels. The serious ballet student can pursue one of two options: the pre-professional program that is held daily after school, or the conservatory (professional training) program that offers half-day intensive training. All students benefit from the friendly, nurturing atmosphere of OSCB, developed to expose each child's creative talent. The school is committed to helping children, as young as three years old, grow in self-confidence, coordination, flexibility, strength, musicality and artistry. Many of the school's graduates are now dancing in companies and postsecondary institutes worldwide. The Nutcracker offers a unique opportunity for the school's students to participate in a professional theatrical setting. Paterson has led the production for the past 20 years; bringing a depth of understanding that ensures a remarkable experience. The Nutcracker performances at Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts take place November 25, 26, 27, and December 3 and 4. Visit www.oakvillecentre.ca for tickets. Learn more about Oakville School of Classical Ballet at www.oakvilleballet.com. Oakville School of Classical Ballet takes to the stage at Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts for its performances of "The Nutcracker". Bronte's Spun Fibre Arts welcomes knitters of all skill levels By Danielle Leonard Spun Fibre Arts offers knitting enthusiasts a wide array of natural fibres, supplies, and classes for those who wish to learn or improve their craft. After operating in Burlington for 10 years, the business opened up shop in Bronte where it plans to build a local, thriving knitting community. "We find Bronte welcoming and have loved meeting other shop owners and businesses here," said the store's outreach coordinator, Kane Hysop. "They have been very helpful in getting the word out about our store." Specializing in natural fibres, Spun Fibre Arts offers a large stock of yarn as well as unspun fibres. While big box stores tend to focus on acrylic or petroleum-based yarns, knitting aficionados looking for more variety will find a selection of fibres that include sheep's wool, alpaca and angora, as well as cellulose-based cotton, rayon and bamboo. "We carry a full range of natural yarns as well as some standard yarns," explained Hysop. "Our passion is for natural fibres. They offer a more luxurious feel and variety of sensations and qualities for the wearer." On occasion, the store sells more exotic fibres such as qiviut. This sought-after material is softer nity by taking part in its weekly sit `n knit that takes place every Friday night. All participants are welcome to bring a project to join this free event. "It's a very welcoming group," said Hysop. " If you're looking at picking it up as a hobby, this group is made up of people who are willing to give advice and help you pick a project." Hysop emphasized that knitting is a great hobby with plenty of room to grow. If just starting out, she recommends beginning with something simple like socks or a hat. A number of classes are scheduled for the holiday season. A Learn-to-Knit beginner class starts Tuesday, November 29. If socks are on one's gift giving list, learn how to knit a pair at the Learnto-knit Top-down socks class starting Thursday November 17 and Tuesday December 8. The next Learn-to-Spin class begins Sunday November 27. Classes are limited to six students and require participants to book with full payment in advance. To learn more, visit www.spunfibrearts.com, call 905-681-7786 or email info@spunfibrearts.com. Spun Fibre Arts is located at 2464 Lakeshore Rd W., Unit 4. Hours are Tuesday to Wednesday 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Thursday to Friday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Danielle Comeau, owner of the newly opened Spun Fibre Arts store in Bronte, at the store's trunk show last weekend Photo by James Hoggett, Metroland Media Group than cashmere and appreciated for its rarity, softness and warmth. Many of the fibres for sale are hand dyed by local dyers, and customers who wish to create something truly unique can spin their own yarn. Knitters are even invited to try out the store's spin- ning wheel. In fact, learn-to-spin classes are offered periodically at the store. In addition to small group classes on knitting, crochet, spinning and lucet braiding, knitters from beginner to advanced can book private lessons. Anyone can become part of the store's commu-