In this episode of Company Secrets, The Nutcracker Paradox: Magic at the World’s Fair, host Jared Redick sits down with legendary former San Francisco Ballet artistic director Helgi Tomasson to explore how The Nutcracker became both a beloved holiday tradition and a living, evolving work of art.

Tomasson reflects on nearly four decades of leadership at San Francisco Ballet and his deep personal relationship with The Nutcracker, from dancing it as a principal at New York City Ballet to reimagining it through the lens of San Francisco’s 1915 World’s Fair. He shares how anchoring the ballet in the city’s history helped create a production that feels welcoming, family-centered, and uniquely local, while still honoring the classical canon.

The conversation traces the collaborative process behind building a large-scale production, from the technical challenges of the iconic snow scene to the importance of creating space for dancers to rise to difficult choreography. Tomasson also discusses thoughtful updates to traditional divertissements, including his decision to replace harmful stereotypes with imagery inspired by San Francisco’s vibrant Chinese cultural celebrations.

Throughout the episode, Tomasson returns to the idea of approachable magic, the belief that The Nutcracker succeeds not because it is simplified, but because it invites audiences of all ages and backgrounds into the theater year after year. It is a reflection on tradition, imagination, and why live performance still matters.

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