Our History
TORONTO INTERNATIONAL BALLET THEATRE
Toronto International Ballet Theatre (TIBT) began long before its first public performance in 2008. It began with a vision by the Artistic Director, Tatiana Stepanova. Upon her many years experience teaching in Canada, she noticed that there is little opportunity for young aspiring dancers to perform in a professional production. Knowing this is invaluable experience for dancer, experience that cannot be taught in a dance studio, Tatiana started making her vision a reality.
TIBT was to occupy a niche within the ballet landscape which was to provide a different experience to the dance and the dance community. Local young talent, international stars, original choreography, beautiful sets and an intimate setting provides a unique experience to the audience.
In December of 2008, after a lot of of hard work and dedications from staff and dancers, TIBT had its inaugural performance of The Nutcracker. The performance saw an enormously positive response from the audience as the first two shows were sold out! Audience young and old were touched by the beauty of the productions, with many gasps and even some tears. The Nutcracker was to become TIBT’s core and its building block.
Toronto International Ballet Theatre has performed at Meridian Hall (formerly Sony Centre), Toronto Centre for the Arts and John Basset Theatre.
Dancers who have performed at our shows:
- 2014 Misa Kuranaga (Boston Ballet Principal)
- 2016 Anastacia Stashkevich, Ruslan Skvartsov (Bolshoi Ballet Principal)
- 2017 Anastasia Stashkevich, Vacheslav Lopatin (Bolshoi Ballet Principal)
- 2018 Svetlana Lunkina, Vacheslav Lopatin
- 2019 Anastasia Stashkevich, Vacheslav Lopatin (Bolshoi Ballet Principal)
This year TIBT welcomes Ukrainian Ballet Stars from Kyiv Opera to 2022 production of the Nutcracker
Our Show
THE NUTCRACKER
Learn about how TIBT’s version of the Nutcracker may differ from what audiences in North American are accustomed to.
Like many fairy tales, there are different versions of The Nutcracker, with each choreographer and creative team putting their own stamp on the details of the story. Our show is based on the classical version of the Nutcracker, as performed in Ukraine and much of Eastern Europe. The story centers on a young girl’s (Clara’s) Christmas Eve and her awakening to the wider world and romantic love. She dreams of a magical world where she is transformed into a young woman and is met by her first love, the Nutcracker Prince. Together they explore the enchanted wonderland forest and visit the Land of Sweets where they are greeted with a celebration of dances. Clara and her handsome Nutcracker Prince share an unforgettable dance together, where the purity of their emotions emanates from their movement. As they have their final embrace, Clara wakes up from her dream with her Nutcracker beside her.
Tatiana Stepanova
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Tatiana Stepanova has a reputation and resume that is shared by a select few in the ballet community. Born in Odessa, Ukraine, at a young age Mme. Stepanova was accepted to for full time study at the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy. Having graduated among the top of her class, Mme. Stepanova moved back to Odessa, Ukraine and joined the Odessa State Ballet Company. It was here that Mme. Stepanova was given the opportunity to dance the Principal roles in an extensive classical, contemporary, and modern repertoire. Mme. Stepanova’s combination of unique style, technique, and dramatic excellence lead her to become the Principal Dancer and Prima Ballerina of the Odessa State Company. She was recognized for her excellence by being awarded the honorary title of People’s Artist of Ukraine. This decoration was awarded to outstanding performers whose merits were exceptional in the sphere of development of the performing arts.
PRIMA BALLERINA / MASTER TEACHER / ACCOMPLISHED CHOREOGRAPHER
Mme. Stepanova’s international travels involved performing in many countries throughout the world including, Japan, Italy, Malta, Finland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Taiwan, Romania, and many cities across North America. Mme. Stepanova’s worldwide reputation as Prima Ballerina has made her a legend in her own time.
In 2000, Mme. Stepanova international reputation lead her to be invited to perform in a Gala honoring the alumnae of Ballet Russes in New Orleans. This momentous reunion was captured in a documentary film “Ballet Russes” released in 2005.
In 2012 Tatiana Stepanova’s dedication to ballet was recognized by the government of Canada, as she was presented with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award. An award handed out to individuals who provided an outstanding contribution to the Arts and Culture in Canada.
As the Artistic Director of Toronto International Ballet Theatre, Tatiana Stepanova brings with her a gift for choreographing and for teaching, a dynamic vision, and the pursuit of excellence. Under her guidance and leadership, Toronto International Ballet Theatre is recognized as one of the finest ballet local ballet companies.
