Behind the scenes at Goh Ballet's The Nutcracker

Going to seeThe Nutcrackeris a holiday tradition for many in Canada, and the Goh Ballet production of the classic is a favourite for many in Vancouver.

The production opened last Thursday and runs at The Centre in downtown Vancouver until Dec. 20.

More than 200 dancers perform in the show, with the some of the smaller parts switching out each night.

Backstage at The Centre, there are hundreds of costumes for all of the dancers, whichare organized in different rooms.

The dancershave to warm-up before performing so they can keep limber.

This class took place on stage at The Centre early in the afternoon prior to the show on Thursday.

Because of the highly physical nature of their work, dancers often get injured while preparing for the performance.

These two dancers had to sit out this year's production ofThe Nutcracker,but they watched as their colleagues warmed up for a show Thursday night.

One of the other ways the dancers keep limber is by stretching.

Signs like these are probably not as necessary for the average household, but they are posted in several places backstage.