The Nutcracker is a ballet for the entire family. The dance is framed by a story of icing and magic and the stage backdrop resembles a dream. The story of fighting under the Christmas tree against the evil Mouse King is told quickly, whilst the happy ending lasts an entire act, with all fairytale figures being given the opportunity to dance. Incidentally, just as Swan Lake was written specifically for the Mariinsky Ballet, so too was the Nutcracker. Today’s dancers dance the Pas de deux of their predecessors from years gone by!

Mariinsky Ballet St. Petersburg
Mariinsky Theatre St. Petersburg Orchestra

Vassily Vainonen Choreography
Simon Virsaladze Stage Design

Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Finishing time approx.: 9.45 pm/4.45 pm