World Classics: Ballet "The Nutcracker"

December 22nd, Kaunas, Kaunas Sports Hall

December 25th, Vilnius, Compensa Concert Hall

For the third year in a row, one of the most famous classical ballet troupes in Europe, the Ukrainian Classical Etoile Ballet, returns to Lithuania. Their performance of "The Nutcracker" sells out halls every year. This year, the troupe continues its European tour, which will also include performances in Lithuania.

Following the impressive premiere of the Ukrainian Classical Etoile Ballet's "The Nutcracker" in Lithuania during the 2024-2025 winter season, the audience was not left indifferent – the ballet "The Nutcracker" received numerous accolades and enthusiastic reviews. The magical story, breathtaking dances, and enchanting music captured the hearts of the public, and due to many requests and the expressed admiration for the ballet troupe, it was decided – "The Nutcracker" is returning! On December 22nd, during the festive period, the premiere performance of "The Nutcracker" will take place at the Kaunas Sports Hall. And in Vilnius, this time, the incomparable fairy tale will come to life at a special time – on Christmas! On December 25th, the magical production will charm the capital's audience at the Compensa Concert Hall.

The legendary ballet "The Nutcracker" has undoubtedly earned the title of a world classic and the love of audiences; it is the most popular work of the festive period. Many of the world's most prestigious theaters include it in their repertoire. The two-act ballet is based on E. T. A. Hoffmann's fairy tale "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King". The magical music for the ballet was composed in the 19th century by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. The ballet's choreography was created by the French-born dancer, ballet master, and pedagogue Marius Petipa. His most important ballets include: "Don Quixote", "La Bayadère", "Raymonda", "The Sleeping Beauty", and "Swan Lake".

The premiere of "The Nutcracker" took place in 1892, conducted by the Italian composer Riccardo Eugenio Drigo, and the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy was performed by the Italian prima ballerina Antonietta Dell’Era. The long-awaited hour of glory for "The Nutcracker" arrived much later in the United States, when in 1954, choreographer George Balanchine presented his version of the work to the world at the New York City Ballet. By the end of the 1960s, "The Nutcracker" became a ballet without which the major holidays of the year are unimaginable.

"The Nutcracker" – a ballet where miracles come to life! When the Christmas lights shine outside the window and a festive mystery hangs in the air, the curtain rises and true magic begins. "The Nutcracker" is an extraordinary journey into a world of dreams and fantasy, where every sound and every movement tells of miracles, faith, and boundless imagination. Snowy winter landscapes sparkle on stage, and the powerful music floods the soul like a gentle blizzard of snowflakes. At first glance, a simple Christmas night suddenly turns into an incredible fairy tale: the Nutcracker comes to life, marching mice enter the battle, and the heroes embark on a journey through magical lands where mysterious fairies, candy rulers, and exotic characters dance. Each dance in the ballet is a story, every spin is like the falling of a snowflake, and every note is like a heartbeat, inviting you to believe in a festive miracle. "The Nutcracker" is more than a ballet; it is a dream where everyone becomes a child, believing that Christmas is a time when everything is possible.