5 reasons why The Nutcracker is the perfect Christmas ballet

If you’re not quite feeling the Christmas spirit yet, the Nutcracker will surely do the trick. This vibrant winter ballet is a heartwarming tale of Christmas joy and a thrilling adventure through a magical, dream-like realm.

The Nutcracker is a two-act classical ballet. The first act begins in the grand living room of Masha’s home, where a traditional Christmas party unfolds. But as the clock strikes midnight and the festivities wind down, the Christmas tree magically grows, and Masha finds herself caught in a fierce battle between an army of toy soldiers and a horde of mice. After bravely saving the life of the Nutcracker Prince, she is rewarded with a fantastical journey through a snowy forest to the enchanting Land of Sweets in the second act.

Tchaikovsky’s timeless Christmas classic has captivated audiences since its debut in the late 1800s. If you’ve never seen it before, let the Tokyo Ballet transport you to the wondrous world of the Nutcracker this winter.

A key element that makes the Nutcracker so memorable is its stunning set design. Each scene draws you deeper into a magical winter wonderland, as you join Masha on her journey from the warmth of her family home to the dazzling Land of Sweets.

As the story unfolds, you'll be immersed in elaborate settings, from the traditional Christmas party and snow-covered landscapes to the vibrant second act. These intricate designs bring the story to life, drawing you closer into the enchanting world of the Nutcracker.

One standout moment is the Christmas tree in the first act, which grows to breathtaking heights just before the battle between the mice and the toy soldiers. Another highlight is the moonlit forest, complete with falling ‘snow’, as Masha and the Nutcracker Prince travel to the Land of Sweets. The second act, meanwhile, features some of the ballet's most iconic scenes.

All of these beautifully crafted set pieces are complemented by the striking venues hosting the Tokyo Ballet this winter. In particular, Tokyo Bunka Kaikan in Ueno offers a captivating atmosphere with its modern architecture and large beechwood acoustic panels. Conveniently located just a few minutes on foot from Ueno Station, it’s an ideal place to experience this magical production.

Even if you’re not familiar with ballet, you’ll undoubtedly recognise the music from the Nutcracker, which is an essential feature of December soundtracks everywhere. The ballet features so many well-known compositions that you’ll find yourself humming the tunes long after the performance.

One of the most famous pieces is the ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’, performed by the principal female dancer in the second act. Another beloved composition is ‘Waltz of the Flowers’ in the second act, when Masha and the Nutcracker Prince are enjoying a variety of dances from around the world.

What truly elevates the music is the exquisite choreography that brings it to life. The dancers, in their elaborate costumes, perform against the backdrop of stunning sets, making each piece even more memorable. Together, these elements combine to create the magic of what is considered one of the most cherished Christmas ballets.

The beauty of the Nutcracker also lies in its stunning array of costumes. As the ballet takes the audience on a journey from a traditional family home on Christmas Eve, through a snowy forest, and into the Land of Sweets, the costumes evolve to match the magical settings.

Each scene comes to life as the dancers move, their costumes twirling gracefully with the choreography. Particularly striking are the costumes influenced by the traditional garb of Spain, Arabia, China, Russia, and France, which appear in the second act.

The Tokyo Ballet's expertise in producing ballets is showcased through its talented Japanese and international staff and dancers. This is especially evident in the exquisite costumes that bring the Nutcracker to life on stage.

This year, the Tokyo Ballet’s performance of the Nutcracker will be enchanting audiences from ballet novices to seasoned enthusiasts across four venues.

In Tokyo, performances will take place at Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, a city-run facility considered one of the country’s leading concert halls for its superb acoustics and distinctive appearance. Opened in 1961 as part of the celebrations commemorating the 500th anniversary of the completion of Edo Castle – the event considered to mark the birth of what is now Tokyo as a city – the hall was designed by celebrated modernist architect Kunio Maekawa.

To add to the excitement of the holiday season, a Christmas market will be held in the foyer of Tokyo Bunka Kaikan for the Tokyo performances of the Nutcracker. You’ll be able to browse Christmasy wares provided by a wide range of small shops, including items made by Tokyo Ballet dancers.

Following the Tokyo shows, the Nutcracker will be performed in Osaka, Hyogo and Kyoto. Add a delightful touch to your seasonal travels by experiencing the Nutcracker in Japan this winter.

The Nutcracker is performing in Tokyo from December 12 to December 15. Get your tickets now.