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.

For more than three decades, The Nutcracker & Clara’s Gifts has been part of the holiday tradition, presented by Symphony Nova Scotia, Halifax Dance and Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, with Leica Hardy as the artistic director and choreographer.

This distinctive adaptation of the beloved ballet was conceived by Leica Hardy and Graham Whitehead in 1991, bringing together classical ballet, modern storytelling, puppetry, live orchestral music and a cast of young dancers.

At the heart of the story is Clara–a young girl whose extraordinary Christmas Eve journey transforms her from a timid, fearful girl to a confident young woman. Along the way, she discovers the gifts of kindness, loyalty, friendship–and the courage to believe in herself.

Those same themes inspired Clara’s Gifts: A retelling of the Nutcracker story, the gorgeously illustrated companion picture book created by co-authors Marianne Ward and Leica Hardy, with illustrations by Emma Van Zeumeeren.

Together, The Nutcracker & Clara Gifts tell a story about the magic of imagination, the power of friendship and the courage to grow into who we are.

In 2026, Leica Hardy celebrates her 35th consecutive season as director and choreographer of the production.

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 Halifax stage production.

Created by co-authors Marianne Ward and Leica Hardy, with lush illustrations by Emma van Zeumeren, Clara’s Gifts captures the magic, movement, and distinctive design of the beloved Nutcracker adaptation in a story young readers can enjoy again and again.

A beautifully written and illustrated retelling of the classic Nutcracker story. The stunning artwork captures the magic of the stage production while highlighting Clara’s inspiring journey of courage, friendship, and kindness.

The Team Behind Clara’s Gifts

Marianne Ward, co-author, is a freelance book editor and lifelong 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 2026, Leica celebrates her 35th 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 alumna 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.