In this episode of Company Secrets: The Nutcracker Paradox, Jared Redick sits down with Ethan Stiefel; principal dancer, film star, choreographer, and arts leader. From performing The Nutcracker at New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre to choreographing his own version and leading major institutions, Stiefel reflects on a lifetime spent inside the ballet.

Together, they explore why The Nutcracker remains a powerful gateway for audiences, what it gets right artistically, and where it demands thoughtful evolution. Stiefel introduces the idea of “progressive classicism,” arguing for honoring ballet’s technical rigor while reimagining context, storytelling, and cultural representation for contemporary audiences. Along the way, he shares candid memories, from marathon performance runs to the infamous two pairs of white tights, and reflects on how tradition, humor, and responsibility coexist in sustaining a classic.

Insightful, personal, and often funny, this episode examines The Nutcracker not just as a holiday staple but as a living work that continues to shape dancers, audiences, and the future of ballet.

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