'Tis the Season

In order to be in the perfect condition for The Nutcracker, New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Megan Fairchild has multiple appointments leading up to the show to build strength, flexibility and control. Megan takes SELF through every step in her rehearsal routine catered to each purpose and trust us—she’s a beast! Take a look.

The load-in process for Nutcracker at San Francisco Ballet takes three full days. Take a look at this behind-the-scenes capture of the teamwork that comes together to make Nutcracker happen each year!

What does Fritz do before a performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker? Join us with this year’s Fritz, Rohan, behind the scenes at Pacific Northwest Ballet to find out! You’ll see how he gets ready, a close up of the kids costumes, and get a tour of his onstage house.

Buttercream Roses lights up the London Coliseum with all the magic, sparkle, and festive fun of Nutcracker in this excerpt from English National Ballet. Join Clara on a fantastical adventure featuring over 100 dancers and musicians. Choreographed by Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin and Olivier Award winner Arielle Smith, this classic festive ballet combines exquisite dancing with spectacular sets and costumes designed by Dick Bird. 

🩰 Ivana Bueno, Francesco Gabriele Frola, and Artists of English National Ballet
🎶 Tchaikovsky performed live by the Philharmonic, conducted by Maria Seletskaja
Lead Supporter: Charles Holloway OBE

Hear from Saint Louis Ballet Comapny Dancer Julia Heiss as she analyzes a previous performance as the Snow Queen!

Our Dew Drop Fairies and Flowers have been waltzing in the studios preparing for Indianapolis Ballet’s The Nutcracker, opening December 18.

How to capture the charm and intricacies of a mechanical dancing doll? San Francisco Ballet dancer Tyla Steinbach talks us through what’s going through her mind as she dances the role. An audience favorite, the Ballerina Doll is one of Uncle Drosselmeyer’s clever creations that he brings to the Party Scene in Act I. 

National Ballet of Canada Stage Manager Jeff Morris gives a behind-the-scenes peek at the magic of the Snow Scene.

Boston Ballet Artist of the Company Sebastian Bondar takes us into the studio as he prepares to debut Russian Troika—tackling all the soaring jumps, fast-paced footwork, and powerful turns in this high energy variation with the help of seasoned veteran, Second Soloist Tyson Ali Clark.

Video by Ernesto Galan