The group’s production has been a holiday staple since it was first staged under Fernand Nault in 1964. Using Nault’s choreography, the current production is headed up by artistic director Ivan Cavallari and conductor Dina Gilbert. The Nutcracker, based off a short story by E. T. A. Hoffman, tells the story of young Clara who is whisked away to the magical Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets. It is one of the most popular ballets ever, making up about 40% of all ticket sales of major ballet companies.
Marketing material emphasizes the ballet as a family tradition:
“Dazzling sets, shimmering costumes, elegant pas de deux and comical turns—this spectacular show has it all. It’s a heartwarming treat that will set the eyes of young and old aglow.”
The Ottawa performances will run across four days, including two weekend matinee shows, and feature the dancers of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens with accompaniment from Ottawa’s NAC Orchestra. These performances will be a prelude to the group’s three-week engagement performing The Nutcracker in its native Montreal. Dance events like this often use methods like banner printing or social media to help attract families and raise awareness of the performance.
The 2024 Les Grands Ballets Canadiens performance of The Nutcracker will take place in Ottawa from October 5 to 8 at Southam Hall in the National Arts Centre.