History & Foundation
Where It Began
Prima Ballerina and Artistic Director Tatiana Stepanova understands the invaluable experience for young talents to perform in professional productions.
She founded Toronto International Ballet Production (TIBT) with a singular conviction, to provide an opportunity for young dancers to discover their full potential on a professional stage!
Since its debut in December 2008 — when The Nutcracker sold out its first two performances — TIBT has paired emerging local and international talents with internationally acclaimed guest artists, original choreography, and landmark Toronto venues. The company has performed at Meridian Hall, Toronto Centre for the Arts, John Bassett Theatre, and Bluma Appel Theatre.
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Sold-Out
Performances in 2025
at Bluma Appel Theatre
The Nutcracker 2025
The 2025 season marked another milestone for TIBT. Three consecutive performances sold out, confirming the production's place as a fixture of Toronto's cultural calendar. Featuring Lilit Hogtanian alongside Andrii Ishchuk of American Ballet Theatre, the production received a standing ovation at every performance.
Our Training Foundation
Toronto International Ballet Theatre is built upon the academic excellence of a world-class training foundation. Through our exclusive integration with the Stepanova Ballet Academy, we ensure that every production is supported by dancers trained in the highest standards in ballet. This unique partnership provides students with unparalleled professional stage experience, bridging the gap between the studio and the spotlight.
Direction
Tatiana Stepanova — Artistic Director
Tatiana Stepanova graduated from Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow and performed as a Prima Ballerina for the Odessa State Ballet Company before dedicating herself to developing the next generation of professional dancers. She founded Toronto International Ballet Theatre in 2008 and has led the company through seventeen consecutive seasons.
Under her direction, TIBT has become a gold standard for the Nutcracker productions in the GTA—a company that demands technical superiority from its dancers and delivers an uncompromising artistic excellence to its audiences.
What Defines TIBT
Professional Excellence
We maintain the highest standards of technical precision and artistic interpretation in every production.
International Collaboration
We unite world-renowned guest artists with Toronto's finest emerging talent.
Landmark Venues
We perform on Toronto's most prestigious stages — spaces where ballet can be experienced as it was intended.
Development & Opportunity
We provide young dancers with an opportunity to be in an environment where their stage experience transforms their artistry—the kind that can only be realized on a professional production.
2026 Nutcracker Auditions
Toronto International Ballet Theatre is seeking talented young dancers to join our professional cast for the 2026 production of The Nutcracker.
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Open to student dancers from all ballet schools across the GTA
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Dancers must be at least 8 years of age by production dates
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Unique opportunity to perform on a premier professional stage
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Perform alongside world-renowned international guest artists
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