The Nutcracker & Clara’s Gifts

The Nutcracker is a visual narrative of luscious delights—beautiful costumes, impressive set design and at its core, a story of love and courage.

Every holiday season, the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium glows with anticipation as families and friends gather for Symphony Nova Scotia’s beloved production of The Nutcracker. This unique story was adapted for the stage by Leica Hardy and Graham Whitehead in 1991. December 2025 will mark it’s 33rd season, produced by Symphony Nova Scotia in partnership with Halifax Dance and Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, under the artistic leadership of choreographer Leica Hardy.

The Art Nouveau-inspired designs by Andrew Murray accompanied by the warm and rich lighting design of Lee Ann Vardy perfectly complement the enchanting story of Clara’s overnight journey from timid, fearful girl to confident young woman, thanks to the gifts of kindness, loyalty, friendship, and a very special nutcracker. This co-production elevates the ballet with larger‑than‑life puppets that share the stage with local dancers and guest artists in perfect harmony. Together, they embody Tchaikovsky’s lush score, from the delicate tinkling of the celesta to the triumphant swell of full strings and brass. Each note played by the Symphony underscores the story’s wonder, reminding us why these melodies have become synonymous with the holiday season. To purchase tickets visit Symphony Nova Scotia

Leica Hardy’s choreography is strongly rooted in Clara’s world and perfectly tailored to Tchaikovsky’s dazzling score.

Clara’s Gifts

Clara’s Gifts: A retelling of the Nutcracker story is a gorgeously illustrated companion picture book to the stage production. The lush illustrations by Emma van Zeumeren capture the magic, movement, and design of the beloved stage production, and perfectly complement the enchanting story, as told by co-authors Marianne Ward and Leica Hardy.

The Team Behind Clara’s Gifts

Marianne Ward, Co-author, is a freelance book editor and life-long dance lover. As publicist for Symphony Nova Scotia in the 1990s, she fell in love with their unique production of The Nutcracker. Years later, preparing to take her four-year-old daughter Josephine to see the production for the first time, she wished there was a book she could read her that told the story of the particular Nova Scotia adaptation of the ballet. Marianne is thrilled to have been part of creating that book and is delighted that her younger daughter Vivian, performed in the production for many years. marianneward.ca

Leica Hardy, Co-author is a master teacher, artistic director, and choreographer. In 2002 she founded the Leica Hardy School of Dance and ten years later founded KiDanCo for pre-professional dance artists. In 2011 Leica received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Saint Mary’s University for her contribution to dance and the arts. In 2025 Leica celebrates her 33rd season as director/choreographer of Symphony Nova Scotia’s The Nutcracker, where she can be found in the audience applauding her daughter, Rebecca Wolfe, who currently performs the role of Lotte Drosselmeyer and Mother Ginger.

Emma van Zeumeren, Illustrator, was delighted to have been given the opportunity to illustrate her first book while studying for her Bachelor of Fine Arts at NSCAD University in Halifax. Three of her films won Best Animation in the AFF ViewFinders competition, also garnering the grand prize and the People’s Choice award. Her most recent animated film, The Wind in a Frolic, was screened at the 2013 Atlantic Film Festival. Emma was a long-time dance student of Leica Hardy’s and is an alumnus of The Nutcracker. After performing in the production for seven years, Emma has a special place in her heart for this beautiful adaptation and hopes that her artwork reflects that.

Jodie Hansen, Designer, has a background in illustration from Sheridan College in Ontario, and is the Senior Designer at Trampoline Branding in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she has worked since 1995. She also explores her creative talents within crafts and design, making and selling handcrafted cards among other items throughout Nova Scotia and Ontario. Jodie is no stranger to the dance community; her children Amanda and Emma started dancing at the Maritime Dance Academy at the age of four.

Photos this page by Cathy McKelvey and Andrew Coll, courtesy of Symphony Nova Scotia.
Header collage of LHSD alumna clockwise from top centre:
Anastasia Wiebe, Hilary Knee, Rebecca Wolfe, Hannah Mae Cruddas with Junior Gaspar.

Clara’s Gifts illustrations copyright © 2016 by Emma van Zeumeren
May not be reproduced without the permission of the illustrator.

Leica Hardy’s fresh choreography breathes new life into this beloved classic, while our co‑production partners ensure a multi‑sensory spectacle that captivates both young and old.