2011|12 season is presented by

Romeo&Juliet
World Premiere!
2011|12
Celebrating 60 Years of Partnership with the Volunteer Committee of The National Ballet of Canada
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Great Moments in the National Ballets Remarkable 60-year History

1951 Programme from the first
performance on November 12.

1964 The National Ballet debuts at the OKeefe

Centre with the company premiere of John Crankos Romeo and Juliet.

1967 The National Ballet premieres

Erik Bruhns Swan Lake, which was also recorded for broadcast by the CBC the same year.

Celebrating 60 Glorious Years!

A beautiful company, full of young talent and old wisdom

The future of The National Ballet of Canada is in wonderful hands.

Dancing Times (UK), 2010
1951 Celia Franca arrives It all began with the love of dance. Three Toronto volunteer organizers Sydney Mulqueen, Pearl Whitehead and Aileen Woods dreamed of a national ballet company. They sought the advice of Ninette de Valois, the pioneering founder of Britains Sadlers Wells Ballet and she recommended a dramatic dancer, budding choreographer and firebrand named Celia Franca if you can get her. They could and did get her. I think you need me here was her tactful judgment. The National Ballet of Canada was founded and, with Miss Franca as Artistic Director, made its debut on November 12, 1951 at the Eaton Auditorium in Toronto. The National Ballet of Canada now ranks as one of the worlds top dance companies with 70 dancers and its own orchestra. 1995 James Kudelkas new production of
The Nutcracker premieres. Over 815,000 people have attended since 1995.

Earl Kraul and Galina Samsova

Lois Smith and Erik Bruhn

1972 Rudolf Nureyevs The Sleeping Beauty premieres. The company tours the production across the US and Canada culminating in a triumphant debut at New York Citys Metropolitan Opera House.

1976 Sir Frederick Ashton stages La Fille mal garde, the first of 47 ballets over the next 35 years to be sponsored by the Volunteer Committees Build-a-Ballet Fund.

1988 The First International

Competition for The Erik Bruhn Prize is held.

1997 For her retirement after 28 years with

the National Ballet, Karen Kain performs James Kudelkas The Actress at the Hummingbird Centre and embarks on a farewell tour across Canada.

Nadia Potts and Tomas Schramek

Karen Kain, Errol Pickford and Glen Tetley

Martine Lamy and Rex Harrington

2001/02 The National Ballet celebrates its 50th anniversary with a season of landmark ballets from its history.
Veronica Tennant and Rudolf Nureyev

November 9, 2006 The National Ballet moves to the Four Seasons Centre and
a new era begins. For the first performance in the companys new home, Artistic Director Karen Kain restages Rudolf Nureyevs The Sleeping Beauty.

1997 James Kudelkas The Four Seasons premieres.

1999 James Kudelkas Swan Lake premieres.

Karen Kain and Rex Harrington

Rex Harrington

Greta Hodgkinson and Aleksandar Antonijevic

Karen Kain, Veronica Tennant, Celia Franca, Alexander Grant, Lynn Wallis, James Kudelka

Greta Hodgkinson

Artistic Directors
19511973 19751976 Celia Franca 19731974 Celia Franca and David Haber 19741975 David Haber 19761983 Alexander Grant 19831986 Erik Bruhn 19861989 Valerie Wilder and Lynn Wallis 19891996 Reid Anderson 19962005 James Kudelka 2005present Karen Kain
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Karen Kain Artistic Director

This year marks The National Ballet of Canadas 60th anniversary. Its an extraordinary landmark by any measure. When I think of the number of ballets, of great dancers, of unforgettable performances, of all the work, commitment and passion on the part of so many people that has gone into all of those seasons, Im simply awed. A 60th anniversary is traditionally represented by a diamond because a diamond symbolizes both endurance and the flame of passion that still burns. As a dancer with the company for many years and now as Artistic Director, I can say with perfect certainty that a diamond is a perfect symbol for the National Ballet in this very special year. Ive never known the company to be as artistically vibrant, as confident and as forward-looking as it is today. And I think the ballets we have planned for the upcoming year are ample proof of that. Im especially excited by the prospect of staging the world premiere of a brand new Romeo and Juliet by the talented Russian choreographer Alexei Ratmansky. Romeo and Juliet has been one of the National Ballets signature works since it entered our repertoire in 1964 and to have a new interpretation by one of todays most gifted contemporary ballet artists is a genuinely thrilling development for the company. The 60th anniversary will give us the opportunity to look back as well, to stage some of the works with which the company has become closely identified over the years and which our audiences have come to embrace with particular fondness. Two of those are Sir Frederick Ashtons La Fille mal garde and Rudolf Nureyevs version of The Sleeping Beauty. They were always two of my most favourite full-length works to dance when I was on stage and its wonderful to see that they still cast the same glorious spell now as they did then. I have always had a great regard for John Neumeiers ballets, both to dance in and to watch, and his heartbreakingly beautiful The Seagull is one of his finest full-length works. When we staged the North American premiere of the work in 2008, it was greeted with some of the most lavish praise I have ever seen for one of our ballets. Kevin ODay is a superbly gifted American choreographer who has been a resident in Germany for some time, where he is Artistic Director of Kevin ODay Nationaltheater Ballett Mannheim. His Hamlet is a stunningly original work, burrowing into the complex psychological world of Shakespeares play with the same energy and physicality that mark all his work. Finally, our summer mixed programme will feature Wayne McGregors stunning Chroma, which we are bringing back by popular demand, Maurice Bjarts intensely moving Song of a Wayfarer and Sir Kenneth MacMillans brilliantly comic Elite Syncopations, three very different works that display the great range and dynamism of our company today. I hope you will join us in this very special year to experience the beauty, emotion and abundance of great ballet!

Sincerely,

Karen Kain C.C., LL.D., D.Litt., O.Ont.

Celebrating 60 Years of Partnership with the Volunteer Committee of The National Ballet of Canada
4 5

Alexei Ratmansky in rehearsal

presents

World Premiere! Romeo& Juliet

Shakespeares tender, tragic and enduring evocation of youthful passion undone by familial and societal discord, Romeo and Juliet has exerted its incomparable emotional power over generations of ballet audiences throughout the world. Rich in drama, characterization and psychological nuance, it has been a signature piece for the National Ballet since entering the repertoire in 1964 and has always been a proving ground for the expressive abilities of dancers performing the title roles. Now the National Ballet is proud to have a new version of the ballet to mark its 60th anniversary. Created by the internationally celebrated choreographer Alexei Ratmansky, this world premiere is a totally fresh, brilliantly imagined interpretation of Shakespeares play. Building on and finding wonderfully inventive possibilities in Prokofievs inimitable and touching score, Ratmansky blends the elegance and stateliness of a classical vocabulary with the intense emotional edge of the modern to create an unforgettable version of one of the greatest dance dramas ever.
Choreography: Alexei Ratmansky Music: Sergei Prokofiev Costume, Set and Properties Design: Richard Hudson Lighting Design: Jennifer Tipton Lead philanthropic support provided by Sandra & Jim Pitblado with additional generous support from Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan, an anonymous friend of the National Ballet and Walter Carsen, O.C.

November 1627, 2011

Alexei Ratmansky is the most in-demand ballet choreographer in the world, known for his musicality, wit and physical inventiveness.
The New York Times

Romeo and Juliet A New Era

Having Alexei Ratmansky create a new Romeo and Juliet for the National Ballet to mark our 60th anniversary is a dream come true. His aesthetic steeped in the Russian school but open to contemporary sources is ideal for this work and our company which, with our classical heritage and our passion for the modern, is perfectly suited to his distinctive dance vision. Karen Kain
1) Celia Franca, Yves Cousineau and Frank Augustyn as Lady Capulet, Tybalt and Romeo, 1976. 2) Veronica Tennant as Juliet during the curtain call for her farewell performance, 1989. 3) Karen Kain and Rex Harrington as Juliet and Romeo, 1992. 4) Robert Tewsley and Margaret Illmann as Romeo and Juliet, 1995.

Artists of the Ballet

Piotr Stanczyk

A comic masterpiece. Only the most hard of hearts could fail to be charmed.
National Post

February 29March 4, 2012

La Fille mal garde

One of the oldest, yet most enduringly loved, of all narrative ballets, La Fille mal garde exudes the freshness, frothiness and sweetnatured innocence of a lovely summer day. Sir Frederick Ashtons version of the work, which was brought into the National Ballets repertoire in 1976 by then Artistic Director Alexander Grant, tells the simple love story of Lise, a village girl, who falls in love with and hopes to marry a handsome young farmer, Colas. Her mother, however, has promised Lise to the rich but buffoonish son of a local landowner. The full flower of Ashtons choreographic genius, from the broadest comedy and the wittiest stagecraft to the most heartfelt moments of genuine tenderness, is on display in the ballet as he manoeuvres the young lovers through riotous escapades and affecting duets toward their inevitable and happy union. A pastoral delight, La Fille mal garde buoys the spirit and touches the heart as few ballets can.
Choreography: Sir Frederck Ashton Music: Ferdinand Hrold, arranged by John Lanchbery from the 1982 version Set and Costume Design: Osbert Lancaster Lighting Design: Thomas Saunders La Fille mal garde is a gift from THE VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE, THE NATIONAL BALLET OF CANADA. La Fille mal garde was the first of 47 ballets generously gifted to the National Ballet by The Volunteer Committee.

Greta Hodgkinson and Aleksandar Antonijevic

Sir Frederick Ashtons Legacy

The spirit of English ballet is a significant part of the National Ballets history and in no other choreographer is that spirit so richly embodied than in Sir Frederick Ashton. La Fille mal garde holds a cherished place in our repertoire, in the hearts of our audiences and in the memories of everyone who has danced in it. Karen Kain
1) Karen Kain and Frank Augustyn as Lise and Colas, 1976. 2) Frederick Ashton with Michael Somes, David Scott and Alexander Grant in rehearsal, 1976. 3) Yoko Ichino and Kevin Pugh as Lise and Colas, 1984. 4) Martine Lamy as Lise, 1992.

Guillaume Ct

Artists of the Ballet

March 1018, 2012

The Sleeping Beauty

One of the paramount examples of the choreographic art of the 19th-century, Marius Petipas The Sleeping Beauty has never lost its ability to move and enthrall audiences. Rarely, if ever, have music in this case by Tchaikovsky and dance been so perfectly and seamlessly integrated in the service of narrative than in this unmatched blend of spectacle and artistry. Each musical phrase and every step of dancing feels conceived in precise relation to the whole, resulting in a work of astonishing formal unity. Rudolf Nureyevs adaptation of the ballet, which he set on the National Ballet in 1972, retains the originals spirit of burnished classicism but brings the storys latent emotion to the fore and charges the dancing with Nureyevs own unique style of articulate athleticism. Harkening back to an earlier era of ballet as a sumptuous music-drama of unbridled exuberance, The Sleeping Beauty is a great dancers act of homage to the art form to which he devoted his life.
Produced, staged and with additional choreography: Rudolf Nureyev after Marius Petipa Restaged by: Karen Kain Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Set and Costume Design: Nicholas Georgiadis Lighting Design: David Hersey Made possible by generous contributions from Margaret & Jim Fleck, The Catherine & Maxwell Meighen Foundation, Sandra & Jim Pitblado, Gretchen Ross and Nancy Pencer & Michael Benjamin.

Restaged with passion, precision and great affection by Karen Kain, the work remains a brilliant showcase for the entire company.
Toronto Sun

Heather Ogden

Rudolf Nureyevs Masterpiece

Rudolf Nureyevs The Sleeping Beauty will always be a key chapter in the narrative of the National Ballet, signalling, more than any other work, our arrival as a mature and confident classical company. But it is more than a simple historical document; it thrills and challenges and breathes the art of ballet at its most rarefied as few works can.
Karen Kain
1) Victoria Bertram as Carabosse, 1987. 2) Rudolf Nureyev with Veronica Tennant in rehearsal, 1972. 3) Charles Kirby and Linda Maybarduk as King Florestan and The Queen, c.1990. 4) Rudolf Nureyev and Karen Kain as Prince Florimund and Princess Aurora, 1972.

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Sonia Rodriguez and Zdenek Konvalina

Greta Hodgkinson, Xiao Nan Yu and Piotr Stanczyk

March 2125, 2012

The Seagull
Few contemporary choreographers possess such an instinctive and authoritative sense of theatricality as the American-born, Germanbased John Neumeier. Whatever subject he explores, whether in abstraction or narrative form, his works are marked first and foremost by their arresting dramatic character and emotional intensity. Neumeiers moving and astonishing adaptation of Anton Chekhovs great play The Seagull bears all the hallmarks of his aesthetic and provides a perfect vehicle for his distinctive dramatic and choreographic gifts. The central preoccupations of the play the shaping influence of love on the artistic sensibility, intergenerational struggle, the nature of love itself are found in the ballet, but Neumeier changes the vocations of the key characters from actresses and writers to dancers and choreographers. An evocative score drawn from such composers as Shostakovich, Evelyn Glennie, Tchaikovsky and Scriabin forms the ideal musical matrix for this richly-imagined, compelling work.
Choreography: John Neumeier After the play by Anton Chekhov Music: Dmitri Shostakovich, Evelyn Glennie, Pyotr Iliych Tchaikovsky and Alexander Scriabin Set, Costume and Lighting Design: John Neumeier The Seagull is generously supported in part by an anonymous friend of the National Ballet.

Impressive in all regards Neumeiers movement imagery is hauntingly eloquent.

Dance International

Sonia Rodriguez and Zdenek Konvalina

John Neumeier and the National Ballet

I have always loved John Neumeiers ballets for their unfailing ability to locate the emotional heart of any situation and any choreographic context and express it so vividly. He is able to meld dance and drama as few modern choreographers can and his perfectly judged musicality makes his ballets artistically rewarding for both the dancers and the audience. Karen Kain
1) Sergiu Stefanschi and John Neumeier in rehearsal, 1974. 2) John Neumeier creating Now and Then, 1992. 3) Graeme Mears, Karen Kain, Nicholas Khan, Robert Tewsley and Sarah Green with John Neumeier in rehearsal for Now and Then, 1992.

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Ji Jelinek with Artists of Stuttgart Ballet

Artists of Stuttgart Ballet

June 110, 2012

New! Hamlet
Hamlet has always been the Mount Everest of dramas, not just for the layered thematic complexity it contains, but for the extraordinary challenge that the title role represents. This is as true for ballet adaptations of the work as for productions of the original play. The American-born choreographer Kevin ODay, now Artistic Director of Kevin ODay Nationaltheater Ballett Mannheim, has let neither of these obstacles daunt him, plunging headlong into Shakespeares greatest play and wresting from it a ballet of haunting eloquence, raw emotion and truly tragic impact. Adhering with astonishing fidelity to the originals story, ODays choreographic reconfiguration, which bridges classical and contemporary idioms with his own rough-edged, highly physical style, brims with narrative urgency and startling characterization. Set to a stunning soundscape by John King, ODays Hamlet is a visceral yet exhilarating rendering of one of western cultures greatest interior voyages.
Choreography: Kevin ODay Dramaturge: Vivien Arnold Music: John King Set and Costume Design: Tatyana van Walsum Lighting Design: Mark Stanley

Succinct, spectacular dance action

Badische Neueste Nachrichten, Germany

Alicia Amatriain and Jason Reilly of Stuttgart Ballet

Shakespeare in Ballet
I think Kevin ODay is one of todays really exciting choreographic voices. Hes totally fearless in his approach, gifted with a keen understanding of the bodys expressive power and willing to wrestle with new ideas and new ways of seeing. His Hamlet is a true tour de force and one of his finest works to date. Karen Kain
1) Tomas Schramek as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, 1976. 2) Martine Lamy and Rex Harrington as Katherina and Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew, 1999. 3) Rudolf Nureyev as the Moor in The Moors Pavane, c.1974. 4) Chan Hon Goh and Philippe Dubuc as Titania and Bottom in The Dream, 1995. 5) James Kudelka as Oberon in The Dream, 1978.

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Zdenek Konvalina

Artists of the Ballet

Chroma is a stunner... so fresh and so daring. A delirious frenzy of movement and is not to be missed.
The Globe and Mail

presents

Chroma & Song of a Wayfarer & Elite Syncopations

A work totally overpowering in its conception and performance, a luminous, electrifyingly kinetic exploration of the architecture of the human body, Wayne McGregors Chroma was an undeniable sensation in the 2010/11 season. One of those rare works that seems to redefine the potential and future of modern dance, it is back by popular demand to headline this mixed programme. Set to Gustav Mahlers moving, luminous song-cycle, Maurice Bjarts Song of a Wayfarer is a duet for two male dancers. Premiered in 1971 by Rudolf Nureyev and Paolo Bortoluzzi, it was thereafter long associated with Nureyev. A deeply affecting rumination on the themes of youthful despair and fate, it is one of Bjarts most often revived works and has been in the National Ballets repertoire since 1979. A ballet that conjures up, with effervescent wit and comic irreverence, a bygone world of social dances and jaunty, exhibitionist virtuosity, Sir Kenneth MacMillans crowd-pleasing confection Elite Syncopations is a joyous, riotously-costumed burst of inspired fun set to the music of Scott Joplin and other composers of the ragtime era.
Chroma Choreography: Wayne McGregor Music: Joby Talbot and Jack White III, Arranged by Joby Talbot, Orchestrated by Christopher Austin Set Design: John Pawson Costume Design: Moritz Junge Lighting Design: Lucy Carter Song of a Wayfarer Choreography: Maurice Bjart Staged by: Maina Gielgud Music: Gustav Mahler Elite Syncopations Choreography: Sir Kenneth MacMillan Staged by: Karen Kain Music: Scott Joplin and others Costume Design: Ian Spurling Lighting Design: William Bundy

June 1317, 2012

Bridgett Zehr and Aleksandar Antonijevic

Triple Bill Past and Present

These three works while very different in technique, mood, theme and style are among the most popular and audience-pleasing short works in our repertoire. Song of a Wayfarer and Elite Syncopations have long been favourite modern works of mine, and the experience of bringing Chroma here for us to dance was simply exhilarating.
Karen Kain
1) Frank Augustyn and Tomas Schramek in Song of a Wayfarer, 1981. 2) Jeremy Ransom in Elite Syncopations, 1985. 3) Clinton Rothwell and Karen Kain in Elite Syncopations, 1979. 4) Gizella Witkowsky and Martine Lamy in Elite Syncopations, 1992.

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Karen Kains dancers suggest a willingness to explore, and that is the sort of imperative that will keep dance alive.
Ballet Review (UK)
4 5 6 7

Principal Dancers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Piotr Stanczyk Greta Hodgkinson Guillaume Ct* Xiao Nan Yu Ji Jelinek Sonia Rodriguez Aleksandar Antonijevic Bridgett Zehr Zdenek Konvalina Heather Ogden
*Guest Artist-in-Residence

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Celebrating 60 Years of Partnership with the Volunteer Committee of The National Ballet of Canada
18 19

2011|12 Subscribe Today

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Orchestra 1.1 Orchestra 1.2 Orchestra 1.3 Grand Ring Ring 3 Ring 4 Ring 5.1

$ $ $

933.27 781.95 638.55

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119.73 100.05 81.45 158.73 93.15 61.41 31.41

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933.27 731.49 612.03

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119.73 93.51 77.97 158.73 88.65 57.93 24.45

$ 1,053 $ $ 825 690

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

64.53 51.03 43.11 83.49 48.99 33.81 15.15

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

573 456 387 738 438 306 144

Orchestra 1.1 Orchestra 1.2 Orchestra 1.3 Grand Ring Ring 3 Ring 4 Ring 5.1

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

633.68 556.68 462.00 817.76 490.32 342.52 184.12

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

81.32 71.32 59.00 105.24 62.68 43.48 22.68

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

715 628 521 923 553 386 207 n n n n n n

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

59.01 51.42 43.83 75.93 44.85 30.72 15.51

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

519 453 387 666 396 273 141

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

44.72 39.44 33.68 56.60 35.32 25.76 15.52

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

397 351 301 500 315 232 143

$ 1,233.27 $ $ $ 728.85 484.59 253.59

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Orchestra 1.1 Orchestra 1.2

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

723 636 529 931 561 394 215

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R. Fraser Elliott Hall Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts All performances take place at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts 145 Queen Street West (at University Avenue)
H G F E D C B A

2011|12 Calendar
Fall Season November 2011
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Ring 5 5. 2 5.1
A

14
H G F E D C B

15

16 Romeo & Juliet

7:30 PM

17 Romeo & Juliet

7:30 PM

18 Romeo & Juliet

7:30 PM

19 Romeo & Juliet

2:00 PM 7:30 PM

20 Romeo & Juliet

2:00 PM

21
511

22 Romeo & Juliet

7:30 PM

23 Romeo & Juliet

7:30 PM

24 Romeo & Juliet

2:00 PM 7:30 PM

25 Romeo & Juliet

7:30 PM

26 Romeo & Juliet

2:00 PM 7:30 PM

27 Romeo & Juliet

2:00 PM 60th Anniversary Celebration

564

Ring 4
E D C B A E D C B A

487

409

Ring 3
E D C B A
387

Holiday Season December 2011

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Santa Claus Parade Cavalcade of Lights Sunday

E D C B A

5
309

10 Nutcracker
2:00 PM 7:00 PM

11 Nutcracker
1:00 PM 5:30 PM

Grand Ring

12
T S R Q P O Box N M

13

14 Nutcracker
7:00 PM

15 Nutcracker
7:00 PM

16 Nutcracker
7:00 PM

17 Nutcracker
2:00 PM 7:00 PM

18 Nutcracker
1:00 PM 5:30 PM

Orchestra 1. 2

U 252 W V

24

1. 3
V W

EE DD CC BB AA X

EE DD CC BB AA X W

F E 207 C

19

20 Nutcracker
1:00 PM 5:30 PM

21 Nutcracker
2:00 PM

22 Nutcracker
1:00 PM 5:30 PM

23 Nutcracker
1:00 PM 5:30 PM

25

1. 3
V

26
U T S

27 Nutcracker
1:00 PM

28 Nutcracker
1:00 PM 5:30 PM

29 Nutcracker
1:00 PM 7:00 PM

30 Nutcracker
1:00 PM 5:30 PM

31 Nutcracker
1:00 PM

183 O P

1. 2

111 P O

Save 25% on Adult price tickets

107

187

1. 2
J H G F E D 36

L K

N M

1.1

N M L

1. 2
K J H G F E D 8

Winter Season February / March 2012

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

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29 La Fille
7:30 PM

La Fille 2:00 PM 7:30 PM

La Fille 7:30 PM

La Fille 2:00 PM 7:30 PM

La Fille 2:00 PM

Stage

10 Sleeping Beauty
2:00 PM 7:30 PM

11 Sleeping Beauty
2:00 PM

Main Season Ticket Prices

SECTION

Price

HST

Total
$ 177 $ 156 $ 127 $ 234 $ 139 $ $ $ 99 52 25

12

13 Sleeping Beauty
2:00 PM

14 Sleeping Beauty
7:30 PM

15 Sleeping Beauty
2:00 PM 7:30 PM

16 Sleeping Beauty
7:30 PM

17 Sleeping Beauty
2:00 PM 7:30 PM

18 Sleeping Beauty
2:00 PM

Orchestra 1.1 Orchestra 1.2 Orchestra 1.3 Grand Ring Ring 3 Ring 4 Ring 5.1 Ring 5.2

$ 156.87 $ 138.29 $ 112.62 $ 207.31 $ 123.24 $ 87.84 $ 46.25 $ 22.35

$ 20.31 $ 17.71 $ 14.38 $ 26.69 $ 15.76 $ 11.16 $ $ 5.75 2.65

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20

21 Seagull
7:30 PM

22 Seagull
2:00 PM 7:30 PM

23 Seagull
7:30 PM

24 Seagull
2:00 PM 7:30 PM

25 Seagull
2:00 PM

Summer Season June 2012

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Hamlet 7:30 PM

Hamlet 2:00 PM 7:30 PM

Hamlet 2:00 PM

All dates, programmes, casting and pricing are subject to change without advance notice.

Hamlet 7:30 PM

Hamlet 2:00 PM 7:30 PM

Hamlet 7:30 PM

Hamlet 7:30 PM

10 Hamlet
2:00 PM

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12

13 Chroma
7:30 PM

14 Chroma
7:30 PM

15 Chroma
7:30 PM

16 Chroma
2:00 PM 7:30 PM

17 Chroma
2:00 PM

Standing Room
Standing room tickets are available for $12 in person at the Four Seasons Centre at 11:00 am for every performance. Cash only. Standing Room is Rings 3 and 4 only.

Groups
Groups of 10 or more save 20%. To book your group, call 416 345 8012 or email groupsales@national.ballet.ca.

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national.ballet.ca 416 345 9595

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Best availability for Flex Subscribers and the general public.

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Piotr Stanczyk with Artists of the Ballet

Artists of the Ballet

Kudelka animates every moment... a feast for the eye... a Nutcracker it would be hard to surpass
Toronto Star
presents

December 1031, 2011

The Nutcracker
E.T.A. Hoffmanns evergreen Christmas tale has received countless treatments and re-imaginings over the decades, but perhaps none captures so well its blend of lavish exoticism, unbridled fantasy, homespun humour and childhood innocence as the National Ballets production, choreographed by James Kudelka. Kudelkas version gives full play to the storys archetypal structure, locating in its dream-filled textures and adventure narrative a paradigm for the eternal journey from childhood to adolescence. The production returns the work to its original folktale origins, with a richly detailed portrait of rural 19th-century Russia, beautifully evoked by Santo Loquastos stunning set and costumes, yet provides ample scope for the otherworldly spectacle and magic that is at the heart of the story. The breathtaking, opulent dream realms of the Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy, the extraordinary array of amazing and fantastical characters and Kudelkas signature energetic and imaginative choreography, combine to make the National Ballets Nutcracker one of the most visually intoxicating, sumptuously conceived and wondrously entertaining anywhere.
Choreography and Libretto: James Kudelka, O.C. Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Set and Costume Design: Santo Loquasto Lighting Design: Jennifer Tipton The Nutcracker is made possible by generous financial support from production underwriters Sandra & Jim Pitblado, Lawrence & Ann Heisey and an anonymous friend of the National Ballet.

Subscribers Buy Now Public On Sale: Monday, September 26, 2011

Xiao Nan Yu and Keiichi Hirano with Artists of the Ballet

A Holiday Tradition
James Nutcracker is one of the absolute jewels of our companys repertoire. No Nutcracker I have seen captures the essence of childhood and the sense of wonder, magic and adventure that defines it, as well as this one. Its pure pleasure from start to finish. Karen Kain
1) David Adams and Judith Dornis as the Prince and Clara with Betty Pop and Barbara Monty as Reindeer, 1956. 2) Annette Lambros and Tomas Schramek as Clara and the Snowman, c.1970. 3) Lorna Geddes and Rosemary Jeanes as Snow Maidens, c.1971. 4) Karen Kain and David Nixon as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Master of Ceremonies with Students of Canadas National Ballet School, 1979. 5) Rex Harrington and Martine Lamy as Peter/the Nutcracker and the Sugar Plum Fairy, 1995.

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Inspiring Audiences of Tomorrow

Reaching out to young people, cultivating an interest in the arts at a young age and promoting dance and physical movement as a creative outlet for youth are central parts of the National Ballets mandate to enrich the lives of Canadians. Through a number of education and outreach programmes, the National Ballet captivates childrens imaginations, developing a deeper understanding of the arts. Every year, over 90,000 young people experience the companys outreach activities. Ballet Talks
> Free pre-performance chats at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts before every show
Creating Dances Summer Camp Ballet Talks Tours of the Walter Carsen Centre for The National Ballet of Canada

The New national.ballet.ca More to Explore!

The National Ballets award-winning website has in-depth information about upcoming productions and dancers with extensive photo and video galleries.

Share the Magic

> An opportunity for community and social organizations to bring their groups to a performance at no charge

T-Dot
> Dance, opera, theatre and film experiences for youth ages 15 to 18

Exhibits
> Ballet exhibits at Torontos City Hall and the companys studios

Creating Dances Summer Camp

> Summer camp for 7 to 12 year olds to explore creativity through music and dance
Exploring Ballet Workshop

Summer Dance Intensive

> 10 day intensive training for ballet students, taught by National Ballet dancers

Ballet Class with the Stars

> Master classes taught by National Ballet dancers for intermediate ballet students

Tours of the National Ballet Studios

> Tours of The Walter Carsen Centre for The National Ballet of Canada for community groups, students and the general public
YOU dance

Visit the new national.ballet.ca/Interact and connect with us

Sign up for our email communications and receive: > Reminders before your performance date with links to show synopsis and casting > Traffic and road closure alerts > Ballet News, our monthly e-newsletter > The option to receive your tickets by email

YOU dance
> Free in-class workshops and performances for grades 4 to 6

DanceBreak.ca
> 16 to 29 year olds can purchase tickets online for only $30 on the day of the show

Exploring Ballet Workshops

> In-school movement workshops for children from kindergarten to grade 12

Nutcracker Story Time

> An engaging, interactive telling of the magical Nutcracker story prior to every performance for all ticket holders

New! Download the National Ballet iPhone app to order tickets, watch videos and more. Join over 13,500 National Ballet fans on Facebook. Follow
us on Twitter and get updates in real time.

Family Day
> A day of free activities for the whole family

Dance About
> In-school performances

Kids Corps
> A club for 5 to 12 year olds
RBC Apprentice Programme sponsored by Share the Magic sponsored by Dance About sponsored by Nutcracker Story Time sponsored by

The official National Ballet blog.

Learn more about life at the ballet directly from the artists.

Watch performance and behind-the-scenes videos on the National Ballets You Tube Channel. Share ballet-related images on flickr.

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Embrace Your Passion

We are passionate about ballet and invite you to embrace your passion!

Melanie Dowhaniuk Donor & Volunteer Ernie Abugov Stage Manager & Donor

Jillian Vanstone First Soloist & Donor Karen Sparks Donor & Volunteer

Maria Pelletier Orchestra Member & Donor Linda OLeary Donor & Volunteer

Gretchen Ross Donor & Volunteer

Keiichi Hirano First Soloist & Donor Lucille Joseph Donor & Volunteer

Jason Dehni Donor & Volunteer Peter Ottmann Senior Ballet Master & Donor Grant Heaps Assistant Wardrobe Coordinator & Donor

Ann Hogarth Donor & Volunteer Krista Kerr Donor & Volunteer

What is your passion?

The Dancers
These elite artists inspire us with their talent, beauty and athleticism as they create unforgettable characters and evoke the deepest of human emotions through movement.

Live Orchestra
One of the only ballet companies in Canada with an in-house orchestra, the National Ballet has always been committed to the richness and immediacy of live music for each performance.

Touring
The remarkable talents of our artists should be accessible to all Canadians and need to be showcased across the globe.

The Classical Legacy

Classical ballets remain the foundation of our art form and the National Ballet, standards against which all companies and artists are judged.

Innovative New Work

New works are essential for revitalizing the art form and challenging artists and audiences with new styles, choreography, music and ideas.

Inspiring Young People

The National Ballet believes in the importance of arts education in the development of young people and in promoting movement, creativity and imagination for all in our community.

Embrace your passion and count yourself amongst the National Ballets vital champions. Your donation will honour a vibrant legacy and strengthen the foundation for the National Ballets glorious future.
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Make a gift today with your subscription and let us know what youre most passionate about.
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th

Anniversary Special Events

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

Thank You
The National Ballet of Canada proudly thanks its 60th Anniversary season partners:

World Premiere of Romeo and Juliet on November 16 at 7:30 pm

Be there for the world premiere of Alexei Ratmanskys Romeo and Juliet, the highlight event of the 60th anniversary season! All ticket holders will be part of the special celebration.
Opening Night Celebrations sponsored by
Karen Kains Bluebird tutu from The Sleeping Beauty, worn in 1972 at the Moscow International Ballet Competition. Ms. Kain won the Silver Medal in the Womens Category.

Celebrating 60 Years of Partnership with the Volunteer Committee of The National Ballet of Canada
Lead philanthropic support for Romeo and Juliet provided by Sandra & Jim Pitblado with additional generous support from Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan, an anonymous friend of the National Ballet and Walter Carsen, O.C.

2011/12 Season Sponsors

BMO Financial Group presents Romeo and Juliet

The Tutu Project

The tutu is ballets most universally recognized symbol and to celebrate the National Ballets 60th anniversary, 60 tutus will be displayed during the 2011/12 season. The 60 tutus will include costumes from some of the great moments in the companys history. Tutus celebrating the companys landmark anniversary will also be created by the community including school children, Canadian designers and artists as well as visitors to Word on the Street, the Pride Parade, Nuit Blanche and more!
The Tutu Project is sponsored by THE VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE, THE NATIONAL BALLET OF CANADA.

TD Bank Group presents The Nutcracker and Nutcracker Story Time

RBC Apprentice Programme

Chroma & Song of a Wayfarer & Elite Syncopations are presented by KPMG

Series Sponsor

Dance About Title Sponsor

Share The Magic Title Sponsor

Dancers First Award Sponsor

Official Suppliers

The National Ballet of Canada Week

His Worship, Mayor Rob Ford will proclaim November 14 to 20, 2011 The National Ballet of Canada Week. The announcement coincides with the opening of an archival display at Toronto City Hall Rotunda and the world premiere of Romeo and Juliet.

Toronto City Hall

Official Airline Official Event Supplier Official Dry Cleaner Official Hospitality Partner Official Travel Supplier Official Tour Transportation Sponsor

The National Ballet of Canada gratefully acknowledges the support of the following:

We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts which last year invested $15 million in dance throughout Canada.

The Government of Canada through the Honourable James Moore, Minister, the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Power to Rise, The Story of The National Ballet of Canada Updated and Re-issued
Writer and historian James Neufeld will update his acclaimed book, Power to Rise, which brilliantly chronicles the story of The National Ballet of Canada. Originally published in 1996, Power to Rise will feature many new interviews and images. The new Power to Rise is published by Dundurn Press and will be released in the fall of 2011.

Nous remercions de son soutien le Conseil des Arts du Canada, qui a investi 15 millions de dollars lan dernier dans la danse travers le Canada.

Cover Image: Tanya Howard and Brendan Saye. Photo by Aleksandar Antonijevic. Back Cover Image: Tanya Howard and Zdenek Konvalina in Chroma. Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann. Photography: National Ballet repertoire, rehearsal and outreach photos by Aleksandar Antonijevic, Andrew Oxenham, Vyacheslav Podorozhy, Gene Schiavone (American Ballet Theatre), Sian Richards, Setareh Sarmadi, Stuttgart Ballet, Cylla von Tiedemann and Bruce Zinger. 60th Anniversary and archive photos by Ken Bell, Judy Cameron, Anthony Crickmay, Barry Gray, Andrew Oxenham, Lydia Pawelak, Johan Persson, David Street, Cylla von Tiedemann and the Toronto Star. 60th Anniversary Events photos by Bruce Zinger, Setareh Sarmadi and Benson Kua. Karen Kain, Principal Dancer, Staff/Artist/Donor photos by Sian Richards. 31

Celebrating 60 Years of Partnership with the Volunteer Committee of The National Ballet of Canada
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2011|12 season is presented by

2011| 12
Fall Season

World Premiere! Romeo & Juliet

Holiday Season Winter Season

The Nutcracker La Fille mal garde The Sleeping Beauty The Seagull
Summer Season

New! Hamlet

Chroma Back by Popular Demand! & Song of a Wayfarer & Elite Syncopations

Mailing Address The Walter Carsen Centre for The National Ballet of Canada 470 Queens Quay West Toronto, Ontario Canada M5V 3K4 Audience and Donor Services 416 345 9595 1 866 345 9595 national.ballet.ca

Celebrating 60 Years of Partnership with the Volunteer Committee of The National Ballet of Canada