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 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.
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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: Tirion Law and Siphesihle November in The Nutcracker. Photo by Karolina Kuras.