Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” ballet is most certainly the Christmassiest ballet there is!
This timeless classic recounts the story of a young girl Masha, to whom was gifted an enchanted wooden doll for Christmas. This doll turns into a beautiful prince come Christmas and aided by the lovely, small but daring, Masha, defeats the Evil Mouse King. Although simply a fairy tale, this is also a story about that fleeting time, when youth replaces childhood, and with it come dreams of love.
As per tradition and considering Saint-Petersburg is the cultural capital of Russia, before and during the New Year holidays, the Nutcracker will be performed on several stages, in both modern and classical styles and each a unique and memorable experience. The Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato is staging The Nutcracker at the Mikhailovsky Theater. The ballet takes place in Russia’s prerevolutionary time, the “Silver Age” of Russian culture. Nevertheless, the story is as ever inspiring and full of classical elegance.
The world of “The Nutcracker” created by Mikhail Shemyakin for the New Stage of the Mariinsky Theater is a bizarre theatrical tale, making use of masks with long noses – no people, nor mice to be seen. Inspired by the tales of the Great Hoffmann, Shemyakin not only drew sketches of costumes and scenery but also dictated to the choreographer the dancers’ movements.
The classical version of the ballet can also be seen at the Mariinsky Theater, although this time on the main stage. Gingerbread houses, holiday atmosphere, dancing New Year toys, a brave prince defeating evil mice and a young girl discovering the beginnings of love – all create a wonderful magic dream that takes the audience to the land of fairy tales.
Come for Christmas and New Year to Saint-Petersburg! This is the best time to see world-famous museums, walk around the city or even go to the theater. A magical, wonderful, winter wonderland awaits and so do we !! Book now!
Mariinsky theatre, New stage – December 2, 3, 20
Mariinsky theatre, Main stage – December 8, 10, 17, 19, 27, 28, 31
Mikhailovsky theatre – December 20, 21, 22, 24, 28, 29, 30
