The Imperial Russian Ballet present to New Zealand their interpretation of "The Nutcracker" accompanied by Tchaikovsky's remarkable score. This version is set in an old German town at the beginning of the last century. The story is of a mysterious toy maker (Herr Drosselmayer) who comes to visit a family over Christmas. With him he brings toys for the households two children Clara and Fritz. Clara is particularly taken by one toy, the Nutcracker, and the ensuing adventures she encounters blur the line of dream and reality. Read more

The Imperial Russian Ballet Company was formed in 1994, headed by the Bolshoi Theatre soloist Gediminas Taranda. The Imperial Russian Ballet Company comprises 40 dancers from the major ballet schools of Russia: Moscow and Perm. Actively combining forces with the Imperial Russian Ballet Company are world renowned dancers and ballet stars. Read more