Erik Tomasson has been San Francisco Ballet’s photographer since 2004. Through photographing multiple performances of Nutcracker each year, he has developed a deep familiarity with the production. These images, shot by Tomasson from the wings, offer a rare look behind the scenes of this holiday classic.
Ricardo Bustamante backstage as Drosselmeyer
An SF Ballet Student as Clara onstage during the battle scene
Snowflakes waiting for their entrance
The Snow Queen and King rehearsing a lift before their entrance
Jennifer Stahl waits for her entrance as the Sugar Plum Fairy while butterflies dance
Mother Ginger’s Buffoons’ joyous dance
Sofiane Sylve as the Sugar Plum Fairy during the Waltz of the Flowers
All photographs © Erik Tomasson
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