12.05.2011
Heather Ogden dances the Nutcracker as the Sugar Plum Fairy, National Ballet of Canada

Twenty Questions with Heather Ogden: Principal Dancer at The National Ballet of Canada about her Toronto Neighbourhood, Leslieville

 

As The Sugar Plum Fairy, Heather Ogden will take centre stage on December 10th as The National Ballet’s adored Nutcracker returns for another packed season.The fanciful performance is a much-loved tradition for all and consistently delivers glorious magic and whimsy to the hectic holidays. When she’s not in rigorous rehearsals, or delighting audiences with enchanting dance, Heather loves to relax and enjoy her Leslieville neigbhourhood. Here are her favourite spots to escape to and secret tips.

The perfect brew:

Mercury Espresso Bar

 

Best comfort food: 

The Roy

 

Her go-to for pretty nails:

 

Best prepared meals for when she is on the run:

Loïc Gourmet

 

Best boutique for unique treasures:

Pied-a-terre

 

Heather’s favourite place to people watch:

Queen Street Car

 

Where she goes before hosting a dinner party:

Leslieville Cheese Market

 

Where Heather is her most happy:

Bobbette and Belle Artisanal Pastries

 

Best place to bring kids: 

Lil’ Bean n’ Green Cafe n’ Play

 

Best place for home decor:

Hardware Interiors

 

Best baby gift: 

Baby on the Hip

 

What landmark Heather associates most with the neighbourhood: 

Jimmie Simpson Park

 

Favourite destination for artistic pieces and vintage design: 

Love the Design

 

Where everybody knows her name:

Starbucks

 

Best dinner reservation:

Ruby Watchco

 

Best bar to catch up with friends:

The Comrade

 

Where she always takes guests from out of town:

Italian Eatery Lil’Baci

 

If Heather could preserve one building in Leslieville it would be:

 

Delicious pasta: 

Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice Restaurant

 

Best fresh baked bread: 

Brick Street Bakery

 

Finest grocery shopping:

Rowe Farms

 

Why Heather and her husband Guillaume Côté chose to live in Leslieville:

We love that the neighbourhood has small, close knit feel but is still very central and close to downtown.

 

The Nutcracker runs from December 10 to January 3, 2012.  If you haven’t already, visit The National Ballet of Canada to buy your tickets now!

 

Photo:  Heather Ogden in The Nutcracker.  Photo by Bruce Zinger