The ageless tale of bravery and dreams... The Nutcracker | www.imperialrussianballet.com.au

The ageless tale of bravery and dreams...

Music by P. Tchaikovsky Choreography by V.Vainonen (Revised – G. Taranda)

Following their sell-out 2009 performances of Swan Lake, the Imperial Russian Ballet Company return to Australia to perform The Nutcracker.

The Nutcracker Ballet is based on the book "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" written by E. T. A Hoffman. In 1891 the legendary choreographer Marius Petipa commissioned Tchaikovsky to write the score for "The Nutcracker" Ballet. In 1892 "The Nutcracker" was first shown at the Mariinsky Theatre in Russia and has since travelled the world and increased its reputation as one of the premiere ballets shown today.

The story has changed much from Hoffman's original concept of a little girl named Marie living in a loveless household and fighting bloody battles against a mouse king with seven heads. The basic libretto of "The Nutcracker" has as many interpretations as there are staged versions. The characters names are often changed and plot twists are added for dramatic effect. The only constant with "The Nutcracker" is the music. Tchaikovskys' musical genius created one of the most enduring and recognisable scores ever written.

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.

The illustrious cast of the Imperial Russian Ballet enjoy performing "The Nutcracker" more than any other Ballet in their extensive repertoire, especially when they are joined by children from local ballets schools in the various towns and cities they perform in.