The Royal Ballet rehearse The Nutcracker

Join The Royal Ballet as they rehearse Christmas Classic, The Nutcracker. The ballet will be relayed live to cinemas around the world on 3 December 2018. Find out more at http://www.roh.org.uk To find out more about the Royal Opera House’s Create and Dance programme for primary schools across England, visit http://bit.ly/ROHcreateanddance A Christmas treat for the whole family and a classic with a special place in the hearts of ballet fans around the world. 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.