One of our city’s most cherished holiday traditions is the National Ballet of Canada’s spectacular production of The Nutcracker. Choreographed by James Kudelka, it’s widely considered one of the finest interpretations in the world. The choreography is technically rich and musically vibrant. The production is also known for its exquisite costumes and meticulous set design. This year marks its 30th anniversary of this Toronto production, and visions of sugar plums are still dancing in our heads!
Recently, we were treated to a special behind-the-scenes look at The Nutcracker from an insider’s perspective. Learning about the elaborate costumes and getting an up-close look at the props was unforgettable. Watching the dancers rehearse offered even greater appreciation for the artistry and discipline behind the performance.
Listening to Hope Muir (Artistic Director) alongside Rex Harrington and Greta Hodgkinson — two of Canada’s most accomplished dancers — share their insight and experiences with this remarkable work was equally priceless.
Harrington originated the role of Peter, and Hodgkinson was the original Snow Queen in Kudelka’s Nutcracker. Both continue to be involved with the National Ballet of Canada.
“To have created roles in such an iconic ballet like Nutcracker that comes around every year is extra special. We’re so happy to still be involved with the production and be able to pass on our experiences to the dancers,” said Harrington. “It’s incredibly technical and challenging for the dancers. It’s a huge production.”
What makes James Kudelka’s production different?
Traditionally, The Nutcracker story is set in a Victorian home. However, Kudelka changed it to a spectacular Russian setting. In addition, his story has two children characters — Marie and Misha. The audience follows their journey of discovery along with Peter, the stable boy.
When it comes to casting Muir tells us one can really watch a dancer’s progression and career. The Nutcracker can be considered a professional measure. As dancers move through the ballet piece the techniques advance and it becomes a good marker for their careers. There are different parts for different skill sets. And because not everyone is a Sugar Plum or a Snow Queen, Kudelka’s choreography allows the dancers to elevate through the ballet.
Here are some fascinating facts about James Kudelka’s Nutcracker:
Marius Petipa choreographed the original ballet in 1892 based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. In this version, Kudelka changes the adventure of a solitary child to a sister and brother duo, Marie and Misha.
The National Ballet of Canada has impressed audiences withThe Nutcracker since 1955. The current production choreographed by Canadian dancer James Kudleka premiered in 1995.
There has been 672 performances to date and 1.3 million people have attended Kudelka’s awe-inspiring production since its premiere.
In each Nutcracker, there are 233 performers. This includes 50 dancers, 98 students (from Canada’s National Ballet School and public schools in Toronto), 65 musicians, and 20 singers.
There are 17 young dancers of Canada’s National Ballet School who perform as the adorable little lambs and mice in each show.
57 animal characters are on stage in each performance. This roster includes 1 rat, 1 horse, 2 bears, 1 ram, 1 rooster, 1 mouse tsar, 8 Cossack mice, 6 baby mice, 8 dog soldiers, 10 cat soldiers, 6 unicorns, 1 fox, 1 sheep, 9 lambs, and 1 bee.
The casting change throughout the holiday season of this production in Toronto. You can find a full list of performers here.
COSTUMES IN THE NUTCRACKER:
Renowned theatre costume and set designer Santo Loquasto worked to bring James Kudelka’s spectacular vision to life. The award-winning designer has worked on over different 70 Broadway productions.
The costumes are made to last approximately 20 years. Recently the costume department had to rebuild the Sugar Plum Fairy costume. It’s one of the most complex and heavily patterned outfit and it has to be all done by hand.. “It’s a real forensics project to come up with the trims and fabrics. We worked closely with Santo Loquasto and a lot of these fabrics we can no longer get,” said Stacy Dimitropoulos (Head of Wardrobe Production).
There are 19 layers of pink ombré tulle in The Sugar Plum Fairy’s tutu.
17 people help to create the costume for The Sugar Plum Fairy — the most intricate costume of all.
43 pairs of pointe shoes are worn in every performance. The total cost of the shoes worn in every performance is $5,160.
Costumes go into the wash each and every day. But a fast trick to disinfect and clean is to spray a mixture of water and vodka to help clean and disinfect the costumes after every wear. They tell us an enzyme in vodka breaks down bacteria.
SETS & PROPS IN THE NUTCRACKER:
The cost to build the set for The Nutcracker in 1996 was $2.7 million.
11 different backdrops used in James Kudelka’s Nutcracker in Toronto.
63 stage crew behind the scenes at each performance.
4.5 kilograms of paper snowflakes are released in in each performance. And they are fresh for every performance.
Real cookies can be found onstage during the party scene. So, if the dancers are close enough they could sneak a quick snack.
The super full-sized roasted turkey used in the feast scene is made to look realistic. But what’s really neat is the performer has the ability to remove the turkey leg…and bone.
OTHER INCREDIBLE FACTS ABOUT THE NUTCRACKER:
Celebrity Cannon Dolls were inspired by Celia Franca’s Nutcracker where the guest celebrities played the rolls of the Stretcher Bearers. In James Kudelka’s production, two celebrity Cannon Dolls appear in Act I to fire off the confetti. Celebrities in the past have included Margaret Atwood, Astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield, Kyle Lowry, Auston Matthews, Mats Sundin, and Tessa Virtue,
Speaking of Cannon Dolls, along side the real life sized performers, there are actual toy sized dolls within the Toronto production.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky‘s classical score Nutcracker Suite was introduce in 1892. He’s also known for his work on two other successful ballets: Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty, before The Nutcracker.
The cost of the orchestra to play per performance is $25,000
1,200 children and their families are invited to The Nutcracker for free through the Share the Magic programme made possible by donors. The National Ballet of Canada partners with over 60 organizations (including hospitals, school boards, and social services agencies) in Toronto to invite families in need of some holiday magic.
The number of performances to cancel due to snow: zero.
National Ballet of Canada’s The Nutcracker is on stage at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto until December 31, 2025.
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