TORONTO—For National Ballet of Canada’s first soloist Francesco Gabriele Frola, the opportunity has come to dance one of the most special roles in the company’s repertoire—that of the Nutcracker in the popular ballet by the same name.
As the National Ballet’s most popular work, it attracts Torontonians in droves to enjoy the beloved holiday tradition each year. In fact, for most North American balletgoers, ever since choreographer George Balanchine premiered his version with the New York City Ballet in 1954, “The Nutcracker” has become a rite of passage. The ballet has since gone through several adaptations, including this version by Canadian choreographer James Kudelka, which the National Ballet has been performing since 1995.
Having grown up in Italy (he moved to Toronto six years ago), Frola didn’t experience this holiday tradition; in Europe “The Nutcracker” is among the classical ballet repertoire, but not connected to a particular season. But he soon came to realize that in Canada, going to see “The Nutcracker” with one’s family has become as much a tradition as decorating the Christmas tree together at home.
