English National Ballet performing 'The Nutcracker'

Every holiday season, as snow begins to fall and Christmas lights twinkle in the night, the story of 'The Nutcracker' comes to life on stages around the world. Written by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1892, this beloved ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann's fairy tale 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.' Set on Christmas Eve, it follows a young girl named Clara, who goes on an adventure with the Nutcracker Prince as they battle the evil Mouse King. Many renowned ballet companies present their rendition of this classic every year, including the New York City Ballet, the Boston Ballet, and the English National Ballet, pictured here.
'The Nutcracker' is cherished for its beautiful choreography, which includes scenes such as the 'Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,' performed by the principal female ballerina, and the 'Waltz of the Flowers.' Tchaikovsky's score is noted for its use of the celesta, an instrument with a bell-like tone, which perfectly captures the fairy-tale atmosphere. The ballet's first performance at St. Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre was not well-received, but it gained worldwide popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States. Today, 'The Nutcracker,' with its timeless story of magic, wonder, and the festive spirit, remains a holiday favorite.
© Caroline Holden/Alamy