Royal Ballet in rehearsal: The Nutcracker

Join répétiteurs Jonathan Cope and Lesley Collier as they coach Royal Ballet dancers Fumi Kaneko and Nehemiah Kish in the Sugar Plum Fairy pas de deux from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. With Philip Cornfield at the piano.
Find out more about Royal Opera House Insights at: www.roh.org.uk/insights
Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker score was commissioned by the director of the Russian Imperial Theatres, following the resounding success of Sleeping Beauty in 1890. Marius Petipa created the scenario - based on a fairytale by E. T. A. Hoffman - and Lev Ivanov provided the choreography. The Nutcracker was first performed in 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. It initially had a poor reception, but its combination of enchanting choreography and an unforgettable score have since made it one of the best-loved of all ballets.
In Peter Wright's classic production, the stage sparkles with theatrical magic - a Christmas tree grows before our eyes, toy soldiers come to life to fight the villainous Mouse King and Clara is whisked to the Land of Sweets on a golden sleigh. Tchaikovsky's score contains some of the best-known melodies in ballet, from the flurrying sounds of the Waltz of the Snowflakes to the dream-like Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the vigorous Russian Dance. Julia Trevelyan Oman's designs draw upon 19th-century images of Christmas, making this a classic production for the festive season.

[@esmeraldaordonez7293]

They literally were telling her to not be so perfect. Amazing.

[@sofiagrover636]

Esmeralda Ordóñez becuase she’s trying almost to hard to be amazing that she’s losing her beauty.

[@MissSunflower242]

Right I noticed that too! Thats a mark of true coaching, ones who truly want her to succeed in her craft, make it her own. I love Nehemiah also. I always watch dancers from their fingertips onward and they are both so delicate individually and with each other. Fumi is gonna be fantastic in Sleep Beauty if you haven't seen clips of that already. Strictly classical and her legs go on for days

[@me67226]

No they weren't they were giving her pointers

[@letitsnow8518]

She is not perfect, she has problem staying on the note! Musicality problem

[@bohgirl11]

I love the calm way the instructors talk to the dancers.

[@nerdycats]

+bohgirl11 I know right :3 they're so kind with they're corrections.

[@purewonka]

+bohgirl11 That's because there is an audience. There is a lot of screaming in closed rehearsals.

[@nerdycats]

That's why I was shocked xD I've never been in a rehearsal where I've not gotten yelled at:3 very cool :3

[@HomoAfanusBalleticus]

well... i noticed the same thing... im still in ballet school and after repertoire class i just dont want to hear anything... 9/10 times teachers will shout at you or make you feel really bad about something....

[@purewonka]

A good choreographer, instructor or dance master develops a communication dynamic with each of the dancers. Some dancers need to be yelled at because that is how they best benefit from a correction. Other dancers best benefit with a more subtle approach. I've never witnessed a closed rehearsal for any production that didn't include yelling at some point. Many times its just a practical way to communicate in an environment with a lot of ambient noise - music, other conversations going on, noise from outside. Rehearsal studios are often quite large. A soft voice can go unheard very easily.

[@kathyl3290]

Wow, the pianist definitely deserve huge props as well.

[@TheMaracuya9]

Absolutely!!!,the dancers and teachers have no idea how hard it's to play the Nutckracker ballet,it seems easy but once you start playing it: SURPRISE!!! it's really difficult, sometimes the pianists works harder than dancers, if only they knew.....you have to like that kind of job....

[@themontrealgirl95]

True

[@karensantos5421]

Listening to the music gave me goosebumps! The good ones! I can only dream to be able to play that music even relatively decent. 😂

[@philipcornfield3036]

Thankyou for your kind words!

[@letitsnow8518]

true, he is a star

[@samminicksm]

I love how the teacher actually play out their corrections for the dancers to see instead of just speaking at them.

[@lavone5541]

The teachers are ex dancers as well :), that's why they teach so well.

[@blah7983]

chikin naget virtually every teacher is an ex dancer though? Or do you mean that the teacher danced this particular variation (which I don’t doubt)

[@stasiachan638]

I just love watching Fumi dance. I think she's just so graceful and her movements look so effortless. And she's so smiley. I just love it.

[@LinHiril]

I have a very sweet story about Leslie Collier. When she was very young, I saw her dance "fille mal guardee" in NYC with the great Rudolf Nureyev. At the end of the grand pas de deux in that ballet, there is a "bum lift" where the guy lifts the girl up above his head so she sits on his hand. Well, when she went up, something happened and she overbalanced and fell. He caught her so that she didn't get hurt, but you could tell from his expression and body language that he considered himself responsible. At the end of the ballet, they were taking curtain calls. He still looked somewhat chagrined, so sweet Miss Collier went downstage and fetched a little bouquet someone had thrown for her, returned to him, and presented it to him with a little curtesy. Then ever so gently and chastely, he took her sweet face in his hands and kissed her very lightly. It was one of the most thoughtful exchanges I ever saw on stage and everyone in the theater knew what it meant.

[@LinHiril]

It wasn't dangerous. He made sure she didn't get hurt. It was just one of those things. He was by far more gallant than the media gave him credit for. :)

[@NaomiMartin1928]

The most beautiful thing I have read all day!

[@pediatrapaola]

lovely story ,l saw her dancing many times in london in late 70's when l spent a whole year there ,she was one of my fav at that time

[@daffo595]

There are stories from his former partners and monica mason herself that said that dancing with Nureyev sometimes felt like partnering yourself. He didn't like holding or carrying their weight and would yell at them for mistakes.

[@daphnesplinter2371]

A principal ballerina from our Dutch National Ballet also danced with Rudolf. She confirms the story that he did not really care about his partner. He was not concerned about her well being at all. She had to do it all by herself.

[@daisytwotoes]

Second rehearsal? Really? That was gorgeous! Fumi's lines, lyricism and musicality are breathtaking. And so lucky to have such a sensitive partner. What a treat that was. Thank you.

[@Maritza.I.Rivera]

12:12 "she's really got it" followed by "she's stunning" . She is. She's wonderful.

[@myaax7798]

I love the constructive criticism and how they both take all the corrections in. Balanced and graceful

[@funcionamaldito]

Fumi is absolutely beautiful. She is perfect in this, I cannot watch enough of her as the Sugar Plum Fairy.

[@polianabranco8102]

Jwye33333

[@ShadesofSho]

"And this needs to be really expensive perfume..." wow! Absolutely incredible teachers

[@LinZ02]

This is amazing! But it’s currently 3am and I’ve never had ANY connection to ballet 😂😂

[@ingridsantos4019]

Ahahahahaha SAME

[@briant9053]

Me too🙄😃

[@surfmora]

Omg 😂 😂😂😂

[@fluffywuffykinsies]

Lin Z lol yessss welcome to the club. It's either 3 am ballet or asmr cooking for me

[@dwg4444]

Lin Z HAHAHA oh god, again! 😂

[@papugamer7686]

And now 8 years later,she is the Premier soloist and probably the best ballerina in the Royal opera house

[@Satopi3104]

She was just named principal!

[@RachelG1979]

What are these?

[@eloraalbright9874]

@@RachelG1979 well, Premier means she's a ballerina who gets more solo opportunities in order to prove she can be a principal ballerina. A principal ballerina is the highest rank in ballet and it also means that she will get many dancing opportunities, like the sugar plum Fairy in the Nutcracker or leads in other performances

[@nigelscales2319]

And now in 2024 Fumi is stunning!

[@arianarizza2618]

Fumi is beautiful, she have a lot of grace is perfect

[@HMillsy02]

If I had corrections told to me calmly like this i think i would better with my technique and a lot more confident with how i'm dancing.... At my dance studio we get pretty much get shouted at. Fumi looks so graceful and gorgeous as she performs this dance. Beautiful.

[@mii481]

+Hannah Mills I agree with that remaining calm is so much more important than shouting! Not just here but in any form of learning.

[@cryptohalloffame]

ah well, true story, I had a soccer coach who would yell all game long at us, so as I was bringing the ball up the field, I stopped midway, turned to him and said, Will you SHUT UP!! he was a teacher at our school, and of course I had him the next year for an english class but I've been a coach myself, and yelling at a player? crazy

[@inesdeerausquin5658]

Good heavens...the pianist!!! Philip Cornfield, consider yourself deeply curtsied to. You are a genius. The piano completely embodies the orchestra -- the delicacy of the harp, the sweep of the strings and winds. Yes, the dancers are fantastic, but the playing is WAY beyond fantastic.

[@maevefishel8662]

Agreed! The pianists rarely get enough credit, so it's amazing to see them finally getting recognized for their brilliance and virtuosity! :)

[@philipcornfield3036]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@PhoenixBaby96]

Man, I wish the teachers at my little studio gave corrections as well as these two do. I would be so blessed.

[@oceanafrederick3588]

I LOVE the chemistry between Fumi and Nehemiah! Mezmorises me everytime I watch this!

[@emmoohoo]

Fumi is just gorgeous! And Nehemiah, a great partner.

[@kconnolly14]

I love how she describes the pirouette as "creamy". This is so incredibly beautiful.

[@lilyv4524]

I wish my teachers corrected me like this

[@cryptohalloffame]

only the very best can coach like that

[@krissy7342]

Mara Dyer 🤮⛸⛸ Do a REAL sport.

[@sofifi03]

Karma IsAbtch well your username makes sense bc YOU’RE a bitch, you wouldn’t last one second in a ballet class

[@sophie_7252]

Krissy I don’t know why you would decide to comment and even watch this video if you hate it so much.

[@morgan.r_taylor]

@@krissy7342 So, its not a sport? I mean, do you wanna try putting your whole body weight on you does? Now, lift one leg up and do three turns, still on your toes. Maybe beforehand, try a three minute plank to warm up. Top in of with jumps, and huge leaps across the floor. Okay, ballet is a sport. 5 classes a week, 1 hour 45 minutes each. Excluding Pointe. And jazz. Plus rehearsals, 2 hours on a weekday, and 2 on a weekend for whatever we're doing. NOW, is it a sport?

[@eikoyamashitaarlt]

I broke my heart when I noticed that Fumi is no longer in the cast for this year's Nutcracker. Please get well soon and dance Sugar Plum Fairy again.

[@laughloveshop2618]

I can't help but smile every time I watch Fumi. No matter what part she's playing. 😊

[@saharajvs]

Fumi's dance is... exquisite. Few dancers can make you feel every step like her. She dances so soft, if that makes sense. And I have to say, this is the first time I watch this rehearsal. And the pianist ♥️👌🏼

[@kayleecromling7132]

nehemiah looks like an athlete!! he's pretty sweet, i really enjoy watching him perform.

[@lulajolie]

Kaylee Cromling He looks like an athlete because he IS an athlete. Yes let’s give props. These dancers ARE Uber athletes.

[@pjellyjam101]

her dancing is beautiful and so is her partner. i really enjoyed this video of them rehearsing!

[@dreamcatcher0113]

Truly a work of art done by masters.. and I love how the Royal ballet has the warm, family like atmosphere and everyone - the dancers, choreographers, the ballet masters and even the pianists are treated with kindness and respect. Just absolutely adore the Royal Ballet!

[@isabellestoltz3823]

Ugh I can't wait to go on pointe!! Fumi was so gorgeous, and I can't believe that was their SECOND rehearsal :O

[@pippaschroeder9660]

It looks ready for performance to me! Maybe a little bit of detail corrections tho idk I don’t dance...

[@lolibalto1410]

Do you still do ballet today?

[@07Janina07]

Seeing this rehearsals, it really puts into perspective the amount of work and detail that goes into one single dance. It also makes you appreciate the art of ballet more. The dancers are amazing and the work that the directors do is marvellous.

[@femkes3014]

Damn. Now I regret that I never started dancing ballet, it's so wonderful.. And she is an adorable lady!

[@jjennifer1168]

regret that I stopped dancing >.

[@kellymellars]

+Femke Schootstra , Adult ballet (16+) is taught in nearly every ballet school now. Should you wish to give it a go. I have and I am a grandmother. Highly recommend it!

[@abiholt6654]

Fumi is such a beautiful dancer! She just never stops smiling... gave me goosebumps

[@novarainnoval]

Such great coaches and dancers!

[@kiwi007]

Thank you for sharing the beautiful music and exquisite dancing with us. In a world where we are constantly shown the ugliness of humanity it is uplifting to the spirit to see what people can achieve through the grace of movement coupled with one of the most romantic pieces of music.

[@LOLxxxFIFIxxxLOL]

Nehemiah Kish is an absolute dream to watch!

[@MissSunflower242]

how many times am I goin to watch this? absolutely breath-taking the both of them, his strength and care for her as well as Fumi's grace.

[@GoldenSnowFairy]

I'm 20, just started ballet and don't know much about it yet but this video might be one of the loveliest on youtube!! I keep coming back to it

[@IAccioSnitches]

Nehemiah is fantastic and Fumi is gorgeous. Her arms are incredible! Thank you for letting us see this wonderful rehearsal!

[@pey5571]

tbh I could watch them dance forever

[@GoldSag1]

She is the most graceful dancer I've ever seen! Her movement so fluid and technically perfect! Bravo!

[@TheMotherOfBambi]

This is suh a great video. I love these rehearsal videos because you can see how much passion goes into it: the dancers, the coaches, the pianist... I personally have a special place in my heart for this pas de deux. I've always loved it and Fumi is such a gorgeous dancer!! The pianist is amazing too, i've always wanted to play this on piano!! Thsi arrangement is beautiful

[@EVZYL]

I had the privilege of seeing the dazzling Lesley Collier as Aurora in the ROH in 1982. A unique exprience that will remain imprinted on my memory for ever.

[@aymeezus]

I love you how you can see the gradual improvement

[@naijax80]

Fumi is absolutely beautiful! I love the Nutcracker Pas de D’eux. I melt watching her dance the dance with perfection. Lovely!!!! Just lovely!

[@andalusiamartha7015]

Watching this rehearsal 12 years later... Little did she know, she will become a Principal 9 years later. However, watching this video, she already shows the quality of a star even on this 2012 video. Fumi Kaneko, what an astounding ballerina you are!!👏👏

[@collectorofcats294]

I love this Pas de Deux. I love the Snow Scene Pas de Deux, too Beautiful...

[@balletmadxxxxc2060]

same

[@bobbytoole318]

Kathryn Mitchell

[@sophie7780]

fumi is always such a delight to watch

[@shanners195]

Now those are what I call professionals. I do agree, they need a better connection between each other, and I think she could've let go a bit more. Still it was fabulous!

[@thach0x0]

I am a huge fan of classic ballet and often visit Bolshoi,Opera de Paris and Scala. Am absolutely stunned to know this young dancer is not even a principal dancer. By looking at the way she performs,guess it is a matter of time she will be. Abolutely ,an amazing quality that Royal Opera House offers on this play. Impressive!!

[@JordynNexus]

She’s had ONE look at this before. That’s insane, to me.

[@rbred378]

Wonderful job for both! Fumi is a gem... and am happy to see the Royal Ballet actively assigning her important roles. She will debut as Kitri next season -- How exciting!!!

[@sandipanda98]

I'm not a dancer, and I don't know anything about ballet, but I really appreciate how gorgeous it is and how much work the dancers do. This is incredible.

[@Otakurina]

Keep coming back to this video to watch her, so beautiful! ❤

[@misstinatm]

They dance so beautifully. Their movements are very graceful and perfectly fluid..

[@TheMaisyness]

It's amazing how they can pick up on everything!

[@juna.laguna]

Fumi is extraordinary! I love how she bourrees at 8:12!!! Wish I could go en pointe! :(

[@alejacortes3542]

Her lines 💕 she's so admirable and her expressions are so graceful, definitely a role model

[@daisieeaton642]

Amazing, I have been in a trance for the past 23 minutes at the our elegance and grace of these amazing dancers...

[@veramentegina]

so appreciate RB for giving us gifts like this one. Thank you.

[@fenderguitargirl]

They are all so gentle, and silent and elegant.... Oh my goodness, so beautiful!

[@zoea2737]

I get chills watching both of them

[@Fhoebys16]

I can watch this a million times. Fumi and Nehemiah are absolutely amazing 💓💓💓💓💓💓

[@fluffywuffykinsies]

These teachers are so very kind and lovely sounding.

[@audreyelizabeth257]

Simply lovely. I would so very much enjoy working with Lesley and Jonathan, such brilliant coaches.

[@drewqq]

What a treat to see the process happen.

[@barbaralemere5183]

It's so nice to see Leslie and Jonathan coaching. They have such good rapport with the dancers and they give good notes. This pas de deux is so musically luscious.

[@karensantos5421]

These teachers are amazing! Their constructive criticism are indeed very constructive and their corrections are so clear and the best part is they’re so so nice and polite!

[@simplystreeptacular]

Fumi is breathtaking here. It's obviously still rough in spots at this stage, because of course it is, but her lyricism and elegance are pure perfection. Marvellous. She's an incredible dancer.

[@juliettepage]

Love this couple. They dance beautifully together as a pas de deux. Excellent performance, even in rehearsal!💜👏

[@claudiiaabate]

I hope one day I'll be like her and that I could meet her, she's now my role model! I'm examinating for the Royal grades, and I'm in the last one! so so beautiful, congratulations from Spain!

[@daisies53]

Lovely tutors both and love they way they work together with so much ease and grace!

[@apsutter]

She is quite lovely. I love the dancers that are incredibly graceful and take their time with movements.

[@karend169]

This is so beautiful. I have always loved the sugarplum pas de deux. The little nuances from the ballet mistress? made this dance so much more beautiful, and she was more open. She is so graceful and lovely.

[@jnlaf]

I could watch this over and over..Oh wait I did,,,thank you,,

[@freevoice409]

OMG, all the details and work. All my respect to all the staff and dancers!

[@letitsnow8518]

Love Nahemiah, wonderful performance as always!

[@Kwantifye]

What a treat it was to watch their performance - loved it.

[@PPPConservatory]

This is why The Royal Ballet is my favorite in the whole world. The line of the dancers, the style, the approach...this company produces the most enjoyable performances for me to watch.

[@gr8fuldeb699]

Wow so graceful. I thought my phone was in slow mode. It was absolutely beautiful & Fumi is stunning.

[@DanseusePassionne]

The attention to detail is MINDBLOWING! You would just not notice these things as an audience member. Wow.

[@madelinelui175]

Fumi is such a gorgeous dancer

[@lynnegunn3478]

Co-ordinating of the superb coaching was so sensitive, fulfilling the textures of choreography and composition. So enlightening, thank you.

[@kittykat248100]

Fumi is so beautiful

[@torils65]

Exquisite! She's amazing!!

[@edeneldred9850]

I love how it looked awesome to me the first time!!

[@mikiohirata9627]

I loved this pair. I don't know why it never came up till today 10 yrs later while I thought I'd watched every one of Fumi's rehearsal videos. And this only 2nd rehearsal ❓ You've got to be kidding ‼ BRAVO ❣❣❣

[@thespisgmiller1]

Gorgeous...I love seeing this behind the scenes rehearsal process. Bravo! Everyone was excellent!

[@belladancer222]

She is so beautiful!! Loved this

[@jhan168]

I just wanna say that ohmayghad they're so amaaaaazing!!! 😍

[@Hayleyscorpio]

Ballet and opera....the art of the soul x

[@fickle3835]

I like the lift before the changed version. Kudos to the both of them, amazing artists!!

[@shizuderby]

Thank you for sharing this rehearsal movie. Absolutely fantastic!

[@arianna9454]

The first time the dancer is so good it made me fall in love with the piece itself

[@jasminemississo1796]

How is she able to do that stuff? O.o and she's not even sweating :O

[@catrielgarcia]

they have such a wise way of looking ballet, and the corrections were extraordinary

[@olivierobifulco]

This is just magic.

[@GoldenSnowFairy]

This video made me so happy

[@MapleLeafRagh]

same!

[@katherinec2759]

Good grief, no wonder the Royal Ballet is amazing! They already look perfect enough that I couldn't tell anything was wrong (except the couple of obvious goofs), but they spent half an hour going over a six minute dance, and they never even got through it once! That is some crazy attention to detail!

[@lailatrindade4494]

Breath taking!

[@soffyabad]

I saw Leslie in the first production, absolutely perfect, a doll from a music box. In fact I got that ballet toó, honestly the most beloved Nutcracker come from the Royal Ballet💐👏👏🤗😊

[@icarrus4u]

Two wonderful artist coaching two wonderful artist, Love it!