“Breathtaking! A great evening of theatre, dance and music!” – Herald Sun

Following sell-out performances in 2018, The Australian Conservatoire of Ballet is delighted and proud to once again present one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous compositions and popular Christmas ballet presentations, The Nutcracker, with choreography by former Principal Artist of the Australian Ballet, Christine Walsh.

This well-loved, traditional Christmas ballet will be performed by 65 dancers of The Australian Conservatoire of Ballet, featuring international guest artists and 60 musicians of the ACB Orchestra conducted by renowned conductor Peter Bandy in a unique on-stage setting.

The Nutcracker recounts the adventures of a little girl, Clara, who is given a Nutcracker toy by her godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, at her parents Christmas party. Drosselmeyer provides much entertainment during the evening with his magic tricks. After the party, Clara returns to the sitting room to find her Nutcracker and falls asleep. Suddenly, an army of mice are attacking her toys, notably the Nutcracker, who she saves by throwing her shoe at the King of the Mice.

In gratitude for saving him, the Nutcracker Prince takes her on a journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of the Sweets. There she is entertained by a variety of characters from many lands, culminating with a grand pas de deux dance by the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Prince.

At the very last, Herr Drosselmeyer returns suggesting that Clara's journey has in fact been a wonderful dream which any child who has vivid imagination may experience – or has it?