Editor’s Note: The Following is an abridged version of a story written as part of a collaboration with The Globe and Mail. The story originally appeared on December 11, 2015.

It’s cool to return to Toronto and experience The Nutcracker again.

The Nutcracker is about taking a journey around the world together, and the magic of transformation.

In the theatre this is a way of life.

Hogtown Stories is a project by Jeremy Korn. Follow Hogtown Stories on Facebook and Instagram!

Thanks to Evan for sharing his story. See him perform as Principal Dancer with The National Ballet of Canada.