Toronto International Ballet Theatre - The Nutcracker

A holiday Must!

The Nutcracker is an annual part of Toronto International Ballet Theatre season, and a chance for young local dancers to be involved in a large-scale production. The show is made up of dancers aged eight upwards, some of whom are part of The Stepanova Ballet Academy Company, and others who have battled through the rigorous open auditions.

The show itself is a fine Christmas treat. There's a reason why it's become such a holiday favorite across the Canada and indeed, across the world. The perfect ballet for connoisseurs and ballet novices alike, its memorable Tchaikovsky score and simple to follow storyline make it a great introduction for young children to the grace and beauty of the art form.

What is The Nutcracker About?

The Nutcracker opens on Christmas Eve, in the Stahlbaum house. There's music and presents and food, and the three Stahlbaum children are beside themselves with joy at the wonder of it all. There's danger on the horizon though, heralded by the arrival at the door of local magician Drosselmeyer. He brings bearing gifts for the children, including a wooden nutcracker. This is just the start of an adventure which will lead our characters into a war between mice and gingerbread men, and through the Land of Sweets where the Sugar Plum Fairy awaits!