The Nutcracker 2025 in Halifax returns with Symphony Nova Scotia, Halifax Dance, and Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia to bring the city’s favourite holiday tradition to life. This beloved production blends exquisite dancing, imaginative puppetry, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score in a festive celebration for all ages. From Dec. 5-14th, you will find Leica Hardy at the Dalhousie Arts Centre directing The Nutcracker for its 33rd season of performances.
This year, ten LHSD students will be performing in the production as guests of Halifax Dance. Naomi Chaulk, Charis Greeley, Alice Gunn, Olivia Holmes, and Valeriia Shevchenko will be appearing in all performances. Eva Holmes and Ivanka Holmes will appear as Cast A children and little mice. Elyse Crober, Fiona Foot and Lauren Foot will appear as Cast B children and little mice. Former LHSD instructor and alumna Rebecca Wolfe will be reprising the roles of Lotte Drosselmeyer and Mother Ginger for her third year.
This year, choreographer and director Leica Hardy welcomes two new principal guest artists to the production. Julia Barkhouse, dancing the role of Clara, is a Dartmouth native who graduated from Canada’s National Ballet School and most recently from the Professional Training Program at Arts Umbrella in Vancouver. This year’s male guest artist is Kealan McLaughlin, will perform as the Nutcracker Prince. Kealan was formerly a principal dancer with Canada’s Ballet Jörgen and the Estonian National Ballet. This Fall, he performed in Guillaume Côté’s and Robert Lepage’s balletic reimagining of Hamlet for its European tour.
To purchase tickets for Halifax’s most cherished holiday tradition, head to the Dalhousie Arts Centre Box Office.
