WestJet treats passengers to Christmas show
A Nutcracker of a Winnipeg flight
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/11/2017 (3261 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Passengers flying Calgary to Winnipeg on Tuesday were treated to a surprise performance of the Nutcracker, as WestJet’s 12 Flights of Christmas made its Manitoba stop this holiday season.
Airline employees ushered surprised passengers into the baggage claim area where most folks crowding the luggage carousels had their phones in hand as ballerinas from the Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet gracefully twirled their way through the performance.
The WestJet holiday tradition started several days ago in Montreal, where passengers were treated to a unique welcome from Canadian tennis star Genie Bouchard. The second flight landing in Calgary saw deplaning passengers get a chance to pet and cuddle puppies. For the third day, Toronto travellers were treated to a photo op with Toronto Blue Jays’ Aaron Sanchez.
And on Tuesday, it was Winnipeg’s turn.
Having ballerinas take the Nutcracker from stage to airport was almost a no-brainer, said Lauren Stewart, WestJet spokeswoman.
“The Winnipeg ballet is so well known, as is the Nutcracker, so we were really excited to marry them together and surprise everybody here,” she said.
It was certainly a change of pace for the dancers, said the ballet’s principal dancer Jo-Anne Sundermeier.
“Being out here without the stage lights, it’s a little bit more intimate in a way, even though it’s a huge space,” Sundermeier said. “You can really see everyone and see everyone’s reaction.”
If the applause after the roughly 20-minute performance was any indication, the reaction was quite positive. Still, that wasn’t the end of Winnipeg’s Christmas cheer. “Blue Santa” showed up atop a luggage carousel for a special delivery of presents earmarked for each of the jet’s passengers.
People received stuffed polar bears, gift cards, tickets to the ballet, candy and, of course, their luggage.
The event is no easy feat to put on, Stewart said, with planning often starting many months in advance. Still, she said, it’s worth it.
After all, “WestJet’s Christmas miracles have become a bit of a Christmas tradition across the country.”
People can follow along with what remains of the 12 Flights of Christmas on Facebook Live.