Digital Programme Information
The Nutcracker
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Hope Muir. Photo by Ted Belton.
Welcome!
Welcome to a very special season of The Nutcracker as we celebrate 30 years of James Kudelka’s exquisite production. Premiering on December 21, 1995, this beloved ballet has inspired generations of artists, students and families and introduced thousands to the joy of the theatre. Pairing James’ timeless choreography with gorgeous designs by Santo Loquasto, The Nutcracker has earned its place as one of the most well-loved versions in the world.
Thank you for making The National Ballet of Canada part of your holiday tradition as we celebrate 30 years of magic with The Nutcracker.
Warmly,
Hope Muir,
Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director
Genevieve Penn Nabity and Larkin Miller in The Nutcracker. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
Creative Team and Casting
For casting, see your printed programme or click here for casting of principal roles.
The National Ballet of Canada Orchestra
Brenna Flaherty and Alexander Skinner in The Nutcracker. Photo by Bruce Zinger.
Learn More
Artists of the Ballet in The Nutcracker. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
Watch
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The Nutcracker Trailer
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30 Years of Magic
Read
The Nutcracker Fun Facts
Santo Loquasto’s design of The Nutcracker, with lighting by Jennifer Tipton, combines computer automated scenery and traditional stagecraft, requiring 63 backstage crew for every performance.
Kudelka makes winter part of the fun by setting the opening party in a chilly barn instead of a formal drawing room. Children throw snowballs, guests dance in warm wool coats and Uncle Nikolai makes a grand entrance in a fur-lined coat and hat.
Donald Thom in The Nutcracker. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
There are a whopping 57 animals in Kudelka’s production, often replacing toys as a source of magic and wonder. This may reflect the ancient legend that animals can speak on Christmas Eve. Kudelka even added a Bee to the famous Waltz of the Flowers.
Selene Guerrero-Trujillo in The Nutcracker. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
While Marius Petipa’s original ballet of 1892 is set in Germany, Kudelka moves the action to 19th century Russia, which comes alive in 11 different backdrops, Cossack costumes, onion domes, a samovar and a traditional Russian feast.
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
Charlotte Geeves, 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.
Coming Next
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February 27 – March 6, 2026
Flight Pattern / Suite en BlancChoreography: Crystal Pite / Serge Lifar
Canada’s Crystal Pite partners once again with The National Ballet of Canada for the North American premiere of Flight Pattern, an urgent and emotional piece that shares the programme with Serge Lifar’s classical gem Suite en Blanc.
Flight Pattern / Suite en Blanc is presented by
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March 13 – 22, 2026
PinocchioChoreography: Will Tuckett
A reimagined Pinocchio returns to The National Ballet of Canada! Will Tuckett’s theatrical production brings a fresh perspective to the classic tale, whimsical stage design and a twist of Canadiana, with vibrant music by Paul Englishby.
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May 29 – June 4, 2026
New Work by Jera Wolfe / Emma BovaryChoreography: Jera Wolfe / Helen Pickett
One of Canada’s most exciting dancemakers, Jera Wolfe presents his first mainstage work for The National Ballet of Canada alongside Helen Pickett’s Emma Bovary, which returns with new material after the world premiere in 2023.
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June 13 – 21, 2026
MADDADDAMChoreography: Wayne McGregor
Featuring original music by Max Richter, Wayne McGregor’s MADDADDAM returns to Toronto after a sensational 2022 premiere, with breathtaking visuals and sublime choreography inspired by Margaret Atwood’s novel trilogy, Oryx and Crake, The Year of the Flood and MaddAddam.
MADDADDAM is presented by
Top photo: Artists of the Ballet in The Nutcracker. Photo by Karolina Kuras.