What s it like to perform in The Nutcracker? (The Royal Ballet)

A Christmas treat for the whole family and a classic with a special place in the hearts of ballet fans around the world. Darcey Bussell, Anna Rose O Sullivan and Marcelino Sambé visit students of The Royal Ballet School to discuss their experience of performing The Nutcracker. Find out more here https://www.roh.org.uk/productions/the-nutcracker-by-peter-wright Peter Wright s interpretation of The Nutcracker has been enchanting children and adults alike since its first performance by The Royal Ballet in 1984. Lev Ivanov s 1892 ballet combined with Tchaikovsky s sumptuous, iconic score are presented in a festive period setting with vivid designs to make this a charming and magical production. Loosely based on the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the ballet begins in the 19th-century German home of the Stahlbaums, where they are hosting a lively Christmas party. The period setting is captured in opulent detail by Julia Trevelyan Oman s designs, which include authentic Christmas tree decorations that are magically brought to life. Wright s choreography ingeniously incorporates surviving fragments of the ballet s original material, including the sublime pas de deux for the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince. But in emphasizing the relationship between Clara and the Nutcracker, the production also gains a touching subtext of first love.