‘The Nutcracker’ Cancels Remaining Toronto Performances Due to COVID Cases – Toronto | The Canadian News

It had to be The Nutcracker The triumphant return of ballet to the stage in front of a full audience.

The treasured Christmas tradition was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But less than a week after Tchaikovsky’s music production took the stage this Christmas season at the Four Seasons Center for the Performing Arts, the province of Ontario announced 50 percent capacity restrictions for indoor performing arts venues. .

Then on Tuesday, the National Ballet of Canada canceled the remaining shows of The Nutcracker due to groundbreaking COVID-19 cases within the ranks of the company.

“All of our ticket holders have been notified and all will receive options, including a full refund and retention of their tickets for Nutcracker 2022,” said a statement.

“We are very disappointed, but the safety of our artists, audience and staff is our top priority.”

Before the cancellation, officials highlighted their COVID precautions.

“For the past 22 months, the National Ballet has been able to stay clear of COVID-19 with fully vaccinated dancers, musicians, staff and equipment, rigorous testing, and strict safety protocols. The National Ballet will continue to prioritize the health and safety of its performers, staff and public, ”said Anastasia Kolotova, communications and media relations officer for the National Ballet of Canada in a statement to Global News.

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“The Nutcracker it’s the bread and butter for American ballet companies, ”said Barry Hughson, executive director of the National Ballet of Canada.

“But what is even more important, it is a gateway production. It’s an opportunity for families to experience classical ballet … and learn about our art form, ”added Hughson.

The National Ballet of Canada announced in September The Nutcracker would return in 2021 with some adaptations to ensure the safety of the artists and the public.

These included mandatory vaccination of all employees and audience members of the National Ballet of Canada.

Children in the audience, under the age of 12, had to show proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours or a negative antigen test within 48 hours.

Members of the audience also had to wear a mask at all times.

Stacy Dimitropoulos is the costume supervisor for the National Ballet of Canada.

“There are more than 200 costumes in The Nutcracker,” said Dimitropoulos.

But many of the costumes were not meant to be worn by the regular cast of local children as additional dancers who take the stage like a running group of little lambs or mice. Also, no famous guests played the role of the cannon figures.

Despite all the spinning stunts this year, the company was still affected by COVID and canceled shows for the second year in a row.

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