British Columbia·Feature

Behind the scenes at Goh Ballet's The Nutcracker

Going to see The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition for many in Canada, and the Goh Ballet production of the classic is a favourite for many in Vancouver.

More than 200 dancers come together to put on the annual traditional performance

Goh Ballet dancers warm up on stage before a performance of The Nutcracker in Vancouver. (Maryse Zeidler/CBC)

Going to see The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition for many in Canada, and the Goh Ballet production of the classic is a favourite for many in Vancouver. 

The production opened last Thursday and runs at The Centre in downtown Vancouver until Dec. 20. 

A selection of costumes sits backstage at The Centre for Goh Ballet's production of The Nutcracker. (Maryse Zeidler/CBC)

More than 200 dancers perform in the show, with the some of the smaller parts switching out each night. 

A young dancer puts on make-up in preparation for performing the Nutcracker at The Centre in Vancouver. (Maryse Zeidler/CBC)

Backstage at The Centre, there are hundreds of costumes for all of the dancers, which are organized in different rooms. 

Dozens of ballet shoes sit backstage at The Centre prior to a performance of The Nutcracker. (Maryse Zeidler/CBC)

The dancers have to warm-up before performing so they can keep limber.

This class took place on stage at The Centre early in the afternoon prior to the show on Thursday.

A performer warms up off to the side of the stage during a Goh Ballet class at The Centre. (Maryse Zeidler/CBC)

Because of the highly physical nature of their work, dancers often get injured while preparing for the performance. 

These two dancers had to sit out this year's production of The Nutcracker, but they watched as their colleagues warmed up for a show Thursday night. 

Two injured performers watch Goh Ballet dancers warm up on stage in Vancouver. (Maryse Zeidler/CBC)

One of the other ways the dancers keep limber is by stretching.

Signs like these are probably not as necessary for the average household, but they are posted in several places backstage. 

A sign near the dressing room backstage at Goh Ballet's production of The Nutcracker. (Maryse Zeidler/CBC)