After last year’s absence, The National Ballet of Canada is excited to return to present The Nutcracker this December 10-31, 2021.

“Ballet companies the world over perform The Nutcracker during the holiday season, each with a special take on Marius Petipa’s beloved classic. The National Ballet of Canada has one of the finest versions in James Kudelka’s 1995 staging which opens at a Christmas Eve party in rural 19th century Russia. With its non-stop dancing and magnificent sets and costumes designed by Santo Loquasto, with lighting by Jennifer Tipton, The Nutcracker is an unforgettable tribute to the imagination.

For the 2021/22 season, The Nutcracker will be presented with some adaptations to ensure the safety of all involved. All the children’s roles will be performed by students of Canada’s National Ballet School, with no external performers. There will be no children under the age of 12 in the production and all performers and crew will be fully vaccinated. Additionally, the roles of the Cannon Dolls will not be performed by celebrity guests this year.”

Choreography and Libretto: James Kudelka, O.C.
Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Set and Costume Design: Santo Loquasto
Lighting Design: Jennifer Tipton

The Nutcracker is made possible by generous financial support from production underwriters Sandra Pitblado & Jim Pitblado, C.M., Lawrence & Ann Heisey and an anonymous friend of the National Ballet.