Ballerinas took the stage for George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker,” performed at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center Nov. 29, 2024 – Jan. 4, 2025. The show has been performed every winter since Feb. 2, 1954. 

In Act 1, the story opens with a little girl named Clara who receives a Nutcracker on Christmas Eve and falls asleep with her new toy. Then, magically, her Nutcracker comes alive and he battles with the evil Mouse King. 

The battle with the Mouse King kept me on the edge of my seat due to the high intensity of the music and the choreography. When the Nutcracker Prince won, everyone in the audience cheered, and it was a joyful way to finish the first act before intermission.  

 In Act 2, Clara and the Nutcracker Prince arrive in the “Land of Sweets” where they are welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy and a grand celebration for their bravery for fighting the Mouse King. The grand celebration included international representatives such as Spanish Chocolate, Arabian Coffee, Chinese Tea and French Marzipan. Soon after, the Russian Troika and Dew Drops take the stage. In the end, the Sugar Plum Fairy sends Clara and the Nutcracker Prince in a carriage back home, adding a delightful and heartwarming ending. 

The costumes represented each country and the dancing to go along with it put me in a joyful spirit. My personal favorites were the Arabian and Chinese because of the Arabian’s gracefulness and the Chinese’s big energy which really brought the show to life.

After experiencing the beautiful ballet, I would recommend it for everyone because of the versatility of the ballerinas ranging from kids to grown-ups, and having it be the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. 

_{The New York City Ballet Orchestra prepares for the show moments before the ballerinas take the stage. (Photo/Adiya Mukhitdinov)}

_{Signs showcase George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” outside the David H. Koch theater,  engaging the audience before entering the Lincoln Center. (Photo/Adiya Mukhitdinov)}

_{Ballerinas take their final bow and invite the conductor, Andrew Litton on stage to give credit to the orchestra. (Photo/Adiya Mukhitdinov)}