60th anniversary of Nutcracker ballet: magic shared through Montreal father-daughter duo

For 60 years now, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens’ The Nutcracker has been gracing the stage and Montrealer Andrew Giday has been dancing in it for decades.

This year, the King of Sweets is being joined by someone sweet — his 7-year-old daughter Gemma who is playing the role of a little mouse. 

“It brings back a lot of memories,” said Giday. “I’m very proud.”

“It has become a tradition in our city,” said the professional dancer. “I think that’s something to celebrate.”

The Nutcracker seems to have also become a tradition in his own family.

Giday’s passion for ballet was ignited at age six, and a year later, he was invited to join the production at the same age his daughter is now making her debut.

“Where has time gone?” asked Giday.

Created in 1964, this adaptation by Quebec choreographer Fernand Nault, based on Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann’s tale, has been a cherished part of Montreal’s festive season.

Bringing spectators through a journey to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets.

“She has that joy, she brings that youthful joy to the part,” said Giday while talking about his daughter.

That joy could be felt throughout the entire production — featuring 45 professional dancers and 100 talented young performers from the École supérieure de Ballet du Québec.

After six decades of beautiful sets to elaborate costumes that take over 4,500 hours of work to create each year, Giday says one thing hasn’t changed: the show’s magic, and that’s something he looks forward to now sharing with his daughter.

“We’re not gonna be on stage at the same time but were in the same shows so whenever I get a chance I’m going to take a look and cheer her on. I’m looking forward to it.”

Montrealers can look forward to it too as The Nutcracker will be at Place des Arts until Dec. 30th