“Like a time capsule, capturing the richness and fullness that once defined all ballet”

The Courant

“Something for everyone”

San Diego Reader

“Head Jester Mikhail Ovcharov seemed to fly through the air with his cabrioles and grand jetes–a definite audience favorite”

Enchanted Seashells

“It was a treat to see probably some of the finest ballet artists in the world. This is probably as good as it gets”

Times-Advocate

“This production captivated us with classic ballet traditions while adding new choreography, hand painted sets, and beyond beautiful hand sewn costumes”

Enchanted Seashells

“A heightened sense of reality, folk tales and folk dances transmogrified into sinuous spectacle”

San Diego Reader

“One of the most transcendent cultural experiences I have had in a long time”

Times-Advocate

Holidays begin with the Nutcracker!
The most favorite Christmas classic of all is coming to your city and you are invited to the show!

The Nutcracker, a mesmerizing part of the World Ballet Series, showcases a diverse cast of 40 professional ballet dancers, who come together to breathe new life into this classic holiday tradition.

Experience the excitement of the World Ballet in this family-friendly performance, featuring Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music, over 150 radiant hand-crafted costumes, lavish hand-painted sets, and the iconic Lev Ivanov choreography.

Join Marie and the Nutcracker on a thrilling Christmas night adventure to the Land of Sweets, where you’ll marvel at the famous Waltz of Flowers, the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and encounter intriguing characters like Mother Ginger and Drosselmeyer.

Save the date and secure your tickets in advance to ensure you’re part of the magic!

Preview

Explore

Prince Solo

Waltz of the Snowflakes

Fouette

Waltz of the Flowers

Clara & The Nutcracker Variation

Mouse battle scene

Arabian Dance

Mouse in the House

Reviews

My daughter and I attended the show last night in Bristol, TN. I wish we could see it again… the dancers are amazing!

KeenMullins STeresa 

We were able to see you in Riverside and it was phenomenal! Thank you so much for such a beautiful production!!

Shelley Rice-Renison

Went to the Pittsfield show last night. My daughter and I LOVED it. We where in awe of the beauty and talent. Thanks you!

Seanna Isaacs 

Saw you in McAllen! Wonderful show. Thank you!

Linda Schebel

You were beautiful and hysterical and a joy to watch dance! Can’t wait until the WBT comes back to Riverside California!

Gigi Brewer

Saw it in Roanoke, VA. It was absolutely wonderful! The costumes, sets, lighting, the talented dancers made it a night to remember. Bravo!!

Kathryn Reyna 

I got to see them 2nd row from the stage. The costumes were absolutely Brilliant!! I will be seeing them again!

Kat Woodring 

It was the most beautiful performance I have ever seen. So glad I didn’t miss it…

Donna Santa Cruz

Thank you for a wonderful performance! We loved it!

Mary Beth Aubertin

It was FABULOUS!!! The costumes are unbelievable and the cast phenomenal ♥️♥️♥️

AnneMarie Gwiazdowski-Watrous

Photos

Synopsis

Prologue

The children of Counselor Stahlbaum, Marie and Fritz, ask their father to buy them the wonderful dolls displayed in the window of the toy shop. He does not agree but secretly negotiates with his friend Drosselmeier to send dolls to the children for Christmas. The Master sends gifts and prepares a surprise – a small doll for cracking nuts – the Nutcracker.

Act I

Scene One

On Christmas Eve, the guests gather in the counselor's house. Children can’t wait to see the Christmas tree and holiday gifts. The coveted moment comes when the master of dolls comes dressed in the costume of a wizard and surprises everyone with his art. Clockwork dolls dance for all guests. Drosselmeyer gives Marie a funny Nutcracker. Fritz accidentally breaks it. Marie gently comforts her new favorite toy; her brother and his friends, wearing masks of mice, tease sad Marie. Everyone dances once again and leaves.

Scene Two

Marie falls asleep in her bedroom. But even in her sleep, she keeps worrying about the broken Nutcracker. The clock beats midnight. By the wave of Drosselmeyer’s hand, everything changes: room walls move apart, the Christmas tree begins to grow, and all toys come to life. Tin soldiers under the command of the Nutcracker march around the room. Suddenly, mice come out of the underground, led by the Mice King. The dolls are terrified and confused. Only the courage of the Nutcracker saves them. An unequal battle is tied up, and the Nutcracker is left alone with the King of Mice and his retinue. Marie, seeing the danger threatening her toy, takes off her slipper and throws it to the King of mice. Mice scatter scared. And then a miracle happens …. There is no more funny ugly doll – a handsome prince stands in front of Marie. He thanks her for her salvation and invites her to follow her. The waltz of the snowflakes carries our heroes in their dance.

Act II

Marie and the Prince's amazing journey continues. They sail along the sea to the city of sweets in Confitureurburg, the ruler of which is the Nutcracker. Suddenly, the mice are attacking again. The Nutcracker defeats the enemies. The inhabitants of the city gladly greet Masha and Prince. The good puppet Mater appears and turns the Kingdom of Sweets into a rose garden. Marie and the prince are happy! But all of this is just a dream. It was a Christmas Eve, and night dreams disappeared with it. There comes a new day. Masha sits by the Christmas tree with a Nutcracker toy on her lap…

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F.A.Q.

Who is in the cast?

Introducing the Stellar Cast of the Nutcracker Ballet

World Ballet Series proudly presents an exceptional, multinational ensemble of dancers, handpicked from premier ballet institutions across Europe, Japan, the UK, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and beyond.

Principal Dancer Ekaterina Malkovich, who graces the stage as Clara, is an accomplished and celebrated ballerina, earning the prestigious Golden Mask Theatre Award. Joining her in the spotlight as the Prince is the rapidly ascending classical ballet star, Constantine Geronik.

This remarkable performance also showcases the talents of a new generation of ballet virtuosos, including Angelina Zgurskaya’s dazzling portrayal of the Stepmother, Kyunsoon Park’s breathtaking pas-de-trois in Swan Lake, and Rebecca Nervi’s unforgettable rendition of Mother Ginger.

Don’t miss this captivating ballet experience, which masterfully combines tradition and innovation, highlighting the incredible skill and artistry of a diverse and talented cast. Book your tickets now to witness this mesmerizing display of ballet excellence.

Who dances the clara part?

Meet the Star: Ekaterina Malkovich in the Nutcracker

Ekaterina Malkovich, an accomplished ballet virtuoso, is the first soloist of the World Ballet Series. As a former star of the Yekaterinburg Opera and Ballet Theater, she has steadily garnered international acclaim and amassed numerous accolades.

Malkovich has twice been nominated for the prestigious Golden Mask Theatre Award (in 2017 and 2018) for her outstanding female ballet performances. She was recognized for her roles in “Romeo and Juliet,” directed by Vyacheslav Samodurov, and “Naiad and the Fisherman,” directed by Yuri Burlak.

Additionally, she holds the esteemed title of Laureate of the International Competition of Choreographic Educational Institutions “Orleu.”

Experience the unparalleled grace and artistry of Ekaterina Malkovich as she takes the stage in the World Ballet Series, enchanting audiences with her captivating performances and exceptional talent. Don’t miss your chance to witness this rising ballet star in action.

What about the music?

The Magical Soundscape: Music in the World Ballet Series

Discover the enchanting soundscape that brings the captivating world of the Nutcracker to life in the World Ballet Series. Our talented team of sound engineers and music curators carefully select and blend compositions from the most renowned composers to create a harmonious and evocative auditory experience for our audience.

As a vital component of each ballet performance, music has the power to transport and inspire, adding depth and emotion to every scene. Though our touring ballet company is not currently accompanied by a live orchestra, we ensure that the music is skillfully engineered and reproduced, maintaining the highest quality and authenticity for our patrons.

Join us on this magical journey as we celebrate the powerful union of music and dance, weaving together an unforgettable experience that speaks to the heart and captivates the senses.

Is ballet for me?

Audience Suitability: A Show for Everyone

The World Ballet Series’ presentation of the Nutcracker is a universally appealing experience designed to delight audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned ballet enthusiast or new to the magical world of theater, this performance is sure to impress and inspire.

While our shows are created to appeal to a broad audience, we recommend that children aged 3 and older join us for the best experience. The Nutcracker is a timeless fairy tale that has established itself as a family-friendly Holiday classic, making it an ideal choice for those with young children. Please note that Tchaikovsky’s powerful score may be loud for very young audience members.

How to understand?

Stay Informed and Engaged: Understanding the Ballet Performance

Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with the entire Nutcracker story; we’ve got you covered. Upon arrival at the venue, you’ll find information stands in the lobby featuring QR codes that you can scan to access our digital program. This comprehensive guide includes a synopsis of the plot and a timeline to help you follow the on-stage events with ease. So, sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the enchanting world of the Nutcracker’s ballet performance.