Cadance & Nutcracker

Cadance’s first performance of The Nutcracker was staged in December 2006. Since that time, the show has grown significantly and has become a tradition for both the audience members and performers.

The Nutcracker is a great way to ring in the holiday season for everyone. Cadance Academy has been putting on Nutcracker performances for over 15 years. It is something that dancers, teachers, and community members look forward each and every year.

Meet the Team Behind the Curtain

Meet the talented team bringing the magic of The Nutcracker to life.

LINDA JESS

Founder & Front of House

With over four decades in dance, Linda Jess founded Cadance Academy in 1979 and led it for 26 years before passing it to her daughter, Gaea. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dance and Banff School of Fine Arts, she performed with the Alberta Ballet and Margot Dance Company. A dedicated member of the C.D.T.A., Linda continues to teach and mentor, sharing her lifelong passion for dance with new generations.

Gaea Jess

Director / Choreographer

Gaea introduced The Nutcracker to Cadance in 2006, inspired by her own childhood performance and guided by her longtime mentor, Jacqueline Nassar. A lifelong dancer and dedicated artist, Gaea continues to share the joy, tradition, and magic of this beloved holiday classic with every new generation of performers.

Laila North

Choreographer / Backstage Manager

Laila moved to Nova Scotia in 2008 and, after seeing the 2009 Cadance Nutcracker, was amazed by its quality. She joined the production in 2010 and has been part of it ever since. Originally from Manitoba, Laila trained at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and Alberta Ballet School, later performing professionally with the Ontario Ballet Theatre and touring across Canada and the U.S. She also discovered a passion for teaching after completing teacher training at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School.

Jacqueline Nassar

Founding Choreographer

Jacqueline trained at the Hammond School of Dance in the UK, earning her Teachers Diploma and membership with the Royal Academy of Dance and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. After teaching internationally, she joined Cadance Academy in Nova Scotia, where she became a resident choreographer and a key contributor to the creation of the Cadance Nutcracker.

Elain Boyd

Costume Manager

Elaine’s first experience with Cadance Academy's Nutcracker show was in 2007. She performed in the adult waltz at the second annual Nutcracker performance. When Elaine's granddaughter started to participate in the show Elaine volunteered to do some mending and laundry for the children’s polka costumes. Each year she took on more and more and her love for the annual Nutcracker show continued to blossom. Elaine thoroughly enjoys working with Gaea each year and loves seeing the costumes come to life.

Colette Nap

Choreographer & Prop Manager

Colette brings timeless elegance to our Nutcracker production, elevating the show with her refined artistic vision. Her costume upgrades and attention to detail have enhanced the overall performance, adding sophistication and polish that beautifully showcase our dancers on stage.

Odin Jess-Wegleitner

Choreographer

Odin began performing as a child in a dance family, making his stage debut at age 1 in the Cadance Nutcracker. Over the years he took on many roles in the Nutcracker and other Cadance productions. Known for his love of stage fighting, Odin choreographed and refreshed the Nutcracker battle sequences—skills he developed in choreography intensives. He also performed in Cadance’s spring showcase "A Chance to Dance," and trained at programs with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the National Ballet of Canada. Odin’s early start grew into a dedicated dance career; his passion and choreographic creativity continue to shape his performances.