Music: Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Artistic Director: Marina Medvetskaya
The performance starts with the traditional overture, creating a wonderful air of anticipation of the two act classical ballet that is about to begin. The popular music was composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and the ballet was first performed in 1892. The story is adapted from E.T.A. Hoffman’s 1816 short story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.
In German folklore they believed wooden Nutcrackers, often in the style of a soldier, brought good luck and protected the home from evil spirits. There are many different versions of The Nutcracker and the International Classic Ballet Theatre’s setting suggests Eastern Europe in the early 19th century. The ladies are dressed in full silk dresses of the era and the men in tights and long tailed ornate jackets.
The ballet opens around the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. The family are gathered as their guests arrive. Clara, her brother and the other children are excited and are given presents. Clara is given a nutcracker by her godfather Drosselmeier. He entertains the children with a puppet and magic show. Some of the toys dance and come to life only to be carried away at the end of their performance. Clara loves her wooden nutcracker but to her dismay her brother breaks it. She is comforted by Drosselmeier who repairs it. After all the excitement Clara falls asleep in the armchair holding her beloved nutcracker. As the clock strikes midnight, mice scamper into the now deserted living room and come to steal the presents at the bottom of the tree. The nutcracker comes to life and Clara watches on as her nutcracker and toy soldiers give battle with the mice. The nutcracker is victorious and Clara and her nutcracker are magically transported to a land of snow and dancing snowflakes.
Act Two opens in this magical land where Clara’s nutcracker has been transformed into her prince. As they dance together, they are also entertained and encounter dancers from distant lands; from Spain, Russia, China and an Eastern land. Finally, Clara awakes. Was it all a dream? Her father is there to take care of her.
The International Classic Ballet Theatre at this performance had dancers from seven different countries. Arisa Hashimoto from Japan was the prima ballerina in the role of Clara. She was spellbinding in her dance, elegance and grace. She never faltered in her energetic performance constantly on points, her balance was superb.
Yelaman Tiyshtykbay from Kazakhstan, as Drosselmeier and Clara’s prince, elevated the performance with all the dancers he encountered. His athleticism and poise were captivating.
Marina Medvetskaya, the artistic director, was a former prima ballerina of Tbilisi State Academic Opera and Ballet. Her theatre has been touring worldwide, enchanting audience across the world.
The performance is delightful and magical for all who enjoy classical ballet, both young and old alike. It is a good introduction to classical ballet with many well-loved and familiar tunes. It is a touring company so achieving a fully lavish production is limited but there are elements to surprise and delight, even snow falling from above.
Runs until 13th January 2024.
