Digital Programme Information
The Nutcracker
Choreographed by James Kudelka
Welcome!
Every year around the world, children and families make The Nutcracker part of their holiday experience. The ballet was originally choreographed by Marius Petipa in 1892 with music by Tchaikovsky, based on the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann. The Nutcracker is now a legacy work and most ballet companies hold a version of it in their repertoires.
The National Ballet of Canada has been performing a full-length Nutcracker since 1955, with our current version by James Kudelka premiering in 1995. James reimagined the story to feature two lead children – Marie and her brother Misha – in a production of incredible scale, wit and visual delight.
Our talented wardrobe team created more than 200 intricate costumes for The Nutcracker. The Sugar Plum Fairy’s tutu is a highlight of that collection and has been remade this season according to Santo Loquasto’s original design. To me, the care that went into that process expresses our larger commitment to the integrity of our repertoire and the audiences who make us part of their lives.
Whether you are experiencing The Nutcracker for the first time or returning to a beloved tradition, I hope you’re swept up in the magic of this wonderful ballet.
Hope Muir,
Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director
Tirion Law and Siphesihle November The Nutcracker. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
Creative Team and Casting
For casting, see your printed programme or click here for casting of lead roles.
The National Ballet of Canada Orchestra
Owen Kincade and Cecilia Campbell-Cotter in The Nutcracker. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
Videos
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The Nutcracker: Behind the Scenes
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Making the Sugar Plum Fairy Sparkle
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The Nutcracker: Let it Snow!
Articles
Learn More
Our Community of Support
Thank you to all our donors, sponsors and volunteers for your passion, commitment and generosity. Your contributions, which fund our activities onstage, behind the scenes and in our community, are vital to The National Ballet of Canada.
Leadership and Staff
Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director
Amanda Ram, Interim Executive Director
David Briskin, Music Director and Principal Conductor
Land Acknowledgement
The National Ballet of Canada acknowledges that we live, work, and create on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and this land is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Artists of the Ballet in The Nutcracker. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
Coming Next
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February 26 – March 2, 2025
The Four Seasons/ Morpheus’ Dream/ The Leaves Are FadingThe highly anticipated North American premiere of David Dawson's The Four Seasons headlines a thrilling mixed programme featuring the world premiere of Marco Goecke's Morpheus' Dream and – on the 50th anniversary of its creation – Antony Tudor's The Leaves are Fading.
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March 8 – 22, 2025
Swan LakeArtistic Director Emerita Karen Kain staged and directed her Swan Lake in tribute to a company and ballet that defined her illustrious career. Newly revisited this season, this production emphasizes the drama and beauty that have made Swan Lake the definitive classical work.
Swan Lake is presented by
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May 30 – June 5, 2025
AdieuGuillaume Côté bids “adieu” to The National Ballet of Canada by creating a new work and restaging his Boléro, celebrating his legacy as Principal Dancer and Choreographic Associate. Two additional world premieres from Canada’s Ethan Colangelo and Jennifer Archibald complete the programme.
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June 13 – 21, 2025
Anna KareninaAn alluring new Anna Karenina has its North American premiere in this first creative partnership with Christian Spuck. Exquisitely crafted with sumptuous costumes and cinematic projections, Anna Karenina adapts Leo Tolstoy’s great moral novel into an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Anna Karenina is presented by
Top photo: Tirion Law and Siphesihle November in The Nutcracker. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
