Leica Hardy is a master teacher, artistic director, and choreographer. For over 40 years she has worked in Nova Scotia to instill a love of dance in people of all ages. In 2011, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts, celebrating her contributions to dance and arts in the region, from St. Mary’s University. Leica founded the Leica Hardy School of Dance in 2002, followed by the founding of KiDanCo for pre-professional dance artists in 2012. For many years, she was a faculty member at the Maritime Conservatory of the Performing Arts and Halifax Dance, where she was the Artistic Director/Founder of The Young Company. Leica trained extensively at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, the School of American Ballet, York University, the Banff Centre, and with noted Canadian modern dance instructors Linda Rabin, David Earle, and Carol Anderson. She enjoyed 20 years of performing professionally, and since 1982 has choreographed over 40 works, including pieces for Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, Mocean Dance, and the Aeolian Singers.

In 2021, she choreographed a video version of this production, titled ‘Twas the Night Before Nutcracker, for Symphony Nova Scotia. Leica is an advanced teacher and an examiner for the Society of Classical Ballet – Vaganova Method. Her book, Clara’s Gifts, co-authored with Marianne Ward and illustrated by Emma van Zeumeren, tells the unique story of our beloved Nutcracker production. During her teaching career, students have gone on to study at nationally and internationally recognized institutions, and are regularly recipients of awards from the Nova Scotia Talent Trust. Former students have enjoyed successful careers as dancers, teachers, and choreographers. For further information about Leica Hardy and her school, please visit leicahardyschoolofdance.com.