The Nutcracker: Behind the scenes preparations (The Royal Ballet)

A look across the Royal Opera House as preparation take place for Peter Wright's production of The Nutcracker. Find out more at www.roh.org.uk/...
This film was shown as part of The Nutcracker Live in cinemas 2012.
Find out more at: cinema.roh.org.uk/
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.

[@freya5941]

Those kids are literally living my dream 😭

[@mcguiganstudios]

Same!

[@blackpinkistherevulation1243]

Same

[@justinseagull3117]

Lol they get to work with a well known company and I dance at a place with only two dance rooms.

[@laurenkaruzas4512]

Being in the nutcracker, or dancing with the royal ballet?

[@oddperson7858]

@@justinseagull3117 well think about it like this instead of how much they have of something think about how great the teacher is .i kind of know what it's like my dance studio only has 1 room for dancing but my teacher is amazing and i think people get scholarships ever year ,but it would be nice to do a dance like that one day...........also what kind of dance do you do if it's not ballet? just wondering

[@lua3336]

I once played in swan lake in there as a child; I was part of chance to dance. But I left London due to domestic abuse and couldn't carry on dancing ballet because my family doesn't have enough money to afford ballet classes anywhere. I miss ballet a lot. The excitement, the whole production, live piano to match all of your dancing. It's quite magical. A spectacular gleaming reality. So if you do get offered the chance: don't take it for granted. I miss my time there and the extra ballet classes I took. Thank you, Royal Opera House. I'll never forget.

[@JH-vi3ty]

It's sad that you couldn't further your passion but did you take care of the domestic abuse problem?

[@JH-vi3ty]

I know this is a year old but I hope you are alright.

[@anastasiaskypeak8687]

I am so sorry

[@annette_lu]

@keir2430 keir2430 "as a child"

[@arianagrandefan6515]

I hope you get to dance again 💖 if u believe you will dance again you will

[@kiokod2206]

'If in doubt, get the apple out' that's my new catchphrase for life

[@lollacooper1931]

We did this 4 our last Christmas performance at the Royal Ballet School! I was Clara! I got 14 blisters on my feet on I got through 8 pairs of pointe shoes! Got a contract 4 the Royal Opera House! I'm Starting in September

[@AnanyaShetty_]

Lolla Cooper I am pretty late I guess and I think you must already be working there all the best and enjoy everything and every moment!!!!!!!!!!! hope you are happy and are having the time of your life. :-D PS. I'm kind of jelly but really happy that you are fulfilling your dream!

[@fionah4121]

I searched you up and u didn’t seem to be on imdb or in the royal opera house?

[@meg82133]

I’m quite late to reply haha but congrats!

[@Katie-jt9ii]

Lolla Cooper ouch.

[@rhythmicmusic3505]

@@fionah4121 maybe she is not now... it was 5 years ago

[@sarahlane8214]

Is it bad that I didn't notice that it rhymed until halfway through?

[@LadyOfBroadway333]

I didn't notice until I read this comment...

[@itsmarco6340]

Sarah Pohl No it's not bad. I didn't notice it ether...😂

[@maiaheketa9034]

Sarah Pohl omg hahaha neither

[@violetmagic13]

Sarah Pohl wait.....it rhymes?

[@ogmozzarella2110]

Sarah Pohl I didn't know that it rhymed full way through the video until I saw this comment

[@Isabella-kn9ru]

This is my first time doing the nutcracker. We are small studio from Texas but we put out a lot of professional dancers. I get to be a snow flake, Chinese dancer and Claire's friend. Performance is a little les than a month away and I'm so excited

[@bellathreesweetbrownies9357]

Same but I'm a flower chines Clara's friend and mouse I've been doing for 7 years tho

[@dinomite4805]

Well done! if you don't mind me asking, what studio do you go to?

[@apothnisko]

I'm kinda a beginner And I'm just a guest in HBSO so I just get to be one of Claire's friends

[@crowscomplimentary1367]

Do you go to Munro studios!

[@rebeccas9715]

good luck. even though i am responding 4 year slater

[@Vivpink17]

Royal Ballet made the best Nutcracker ever!!

[@rebeccas9715]

without a doubt. But i might be bias because my ballet teacher was in the company when she was young. Edit: reliving I responded to a 7 year old post. loll

[@den861]

Man I miss dancing so much, it really was something worth living for

[@localmetalhead3483]

I'm actually in Party Scene, and I'm a Flower Petal. I get to dance on my birthday, this weekend, and I love it!! My dance studio is just amazing!

[@niha.59]

This calls me lazy in 345 languages

[@bellawest9105]

thyadinehara RN this calls me lazy in EVERY language

[@SeungminAddict]

@@bellawest9105 *s a m e*

[@catieroseparker5595]

I love how thoutfull and kind the director is evin thou he may come across harsh and cold wile directing you can tell he really has a heart of christmass gold and I can tell hes only that way because he cairs

[@jos-ky6jk]

This is my 6th year being in my company's nutcracker, but my first time as Clara.... Anybody have any advice? Also my first year en pointe

[@stardust_utopia8471]

Just try your best! You'll do great, I bet! Also, try to listen for the steps in the music, that helps a lot

[@s0cky__]

IDanceOnPointe Practice Practice Practice Practice Practice. And food.

[@camilapazos1854]

Well 1. Congratulations !!! 2. Practice aaaaa lotttttttt

[@pinkashjan7753]

IDanceOnPointe how did ut girls

[@emmag5458]

How'd it go?

[@uhohthepoorguysheadisspinn7978]

Me and my mom are going to the Chicago Theater this December to watch the Nutcracker with mah bff. I'm so excited!

[@WitherQueen]

I may never do this as a kid, but if I work hard enough, and put in enough effort, I bet I can make it there as an adult dancer. This stuff is beautiful, and one day, I want to be up there.

[@thegennychan]

I did ballet for 16 years. Eventually, i tore all ligaments in an ankle and had a massive surgery to reconstruc it. Doctors dont want to dance again for my ankle.... i miss ballet every single day.

[@juurizy]

even though im not a ballet dancer, i really love the performance of the nutcracker (thanks to barbie)

[@victoria-su9uj]

When I was 8 I danced in the Russian nutcracker. I was a little snowflake and also one of the evil mouses

[@emokaeya8845]

Aww

[@sugarcookie7386]

・K o k o ・ aww that's so adorable

[@rebeccas9715]

that sounds fun. good for you

[@pastelcookie1068]

There should be a ballet about the life of a ballerina! Like if you agree

[@pretentious_bitch5357]

Red Giselle

[@crimsonunicorn8791]

Yeah that would be a great idea

[@rileynicholls3361]

Pastel Cookie yes definitely! Though it world have to be rather contemporary as to address every aspect!

[@sophia.c7318]

omg no

[@RosalynMeagan]

Please don't I'm a ballet dancer myself and you don't want to see our feet

[@lordbyron3603]

Why do we never tire seeing the Nutcracker year after year. At times, I would watch 6 different productions from 6 different ballet companies around the world ( the Bolshoi, the Royal, the American, the San Francisco and others) and make comparisons.

[@aliannahuang3156]

the costumes are so beautiful i'm going to cry

[@tylerwaxman7512]

The best of best, our family watched this for so many years.

[@herrbrucvald6376]

Love the narration in delightful rhymed couplets! To this day, when I am walking outside and it starts to snow, I hear the music of the Dance of the Snowflakes !

[@DayneandtheStars]

Oh my god!! I hadn't noticed that before your comment! English is not my first language. That was such a lovely detail to add to the video. Really in tune with the Nutcracker's whimsical vibe ❤

[@lauracubanski9699]

After nutcracker rehearsal I come home and watch videos about Nutcracker 😂

[@xxblue_birdxx3889]

Laura Cubanski Same though 😂

[@lreese3961]

Same😂

[@rik.o]

this is really interesting

[@chess4072]

Ballet is always intresting! Say, notice anything about out profile pictures XD 😂

[@abigailmendonca7067]

This was 8 years ago wow times change

[@callmeyourdai5y518]

for real though seeing the coloured stripes on the character skirt gave me flashbacks

[@user-de1qj6nl3w]

SAME

[@SLAMSwan]

I love the behind the scenes videos! Keep them coming, ROH!

[@herrbrucvald6376]

the couplets are delightful! it's June 20th and I can't wait til Christmas! 

[@awesomesauce23]

The sets are so much more elaborate than the ones at my studio 😂. I keep forgetting how much money these companies have to do these kinds of things. Those snowflake costumes are absolutely GORGEOUS it would be so amazing to wear one and think about the people who wore it before you.

[@bagpipegnat]

Wow. Fantastic!! More of this please!!

[@cl0ud930]

Johnny be more formal with ur father! JOHNNY JOHNNY YES PAPAPAPAPAPAPAOAOAOAO

[@rebeccas9715]

lol

[@ivonnearmendarez9941]

How do the younger dancers get into the company production ?

[@RoyalBalletAndOpera]

Ivonne Armendarez Hi Ivonne. Younger dancers usually attend the Royal Ballet School.

[@wassup6812]

I’m a young dancer I’m 9 years old and we’re I live I’ve been in the nutcracker multiple times I’m going to be Clara this year

[@rosesubliminals7812]

Harpers Gymnastics really? That’s so cool!! I wish you good luck 😊😊

[@hsmacaraig]

Harpers Gymnastics Lucky! I used to do ballet when I was 3-4, then quit. Started again at 7 then quit in less than half a year. I love dance, but I don’t wanna do ballet.

[@mollytaylor5011]

I saw it in January it was amazing. The dancers looked so beautiful

[@amaliaandrone6585]

7:06 Before to long it's time to get ready In hair and makeup hands are steady * Mom's spaghetti *

[@lreese3961]

I’m in the nutcracker for my company(very small and we are doing a different version with the theater company in our town) and I’m a soldier and in waltz of the flowers

[@dboyfff]

Lovely.....like always.

[@olgankaradeniz1330]

2:48 Francesca Hayward!! A principle now!!

[@bunclip]

Christopher Carr, despite his campness which I love, i bet is a fearsome and very particular character. You can see it in his eyes and demeanour. Good on him, you've got to be.

[@rilesss.0829]

We just got nutcracker casting in my company so I'm back watching nutcracker videos! I'm first cast for sugarplum, dew drop, snow and tap(we have a tap piece in our show). I'm also understudy for arabian. It's gonna be a crazy show this year!

[@pongo7695]

I did pointe for 4 years, but was just so frustrated I didn’t look graceful enough. No matter how much anyone tells me how good I am at dance, I always feel like I’m a bad dancer. I ended up quitting last year, but I want to start again. I just wish I knew how to make myself happier with my dancing.

[@greeneyes12346]

josie what part did you know like about yourself? If it was your feet it was probably your shoes because many don’t realize their shoes really can change how they feel they look.

[@pongo7695]

K Williams I just felt like I wasn’t as great as the other dancers. I think part of it was my teacher because she would sometimes focus on the same people. Though I am very happy to say I moved to a different state and have started classes again. I love it so much and I feel a lot better.

[@neviahsmith660]

kristine good for you! I’m starting dance soon, at age 12.

[@audreynoland3738]

I'm going to see this very soon! SO EXITED!

[@SafaTheBlaBlaBla]

Audrey Noland i

[@SafaTheBlaBlaBla]

oops, that was an accident

[@beccasbeauty22]

What I would do to be a part of that company.

[@-.Atlas.-]

I danced in the nutcracker once and I was an angel. All the nutcracker practices were hard but were worth it to go on stage. It's a lot better than recital :)

[@chickpea5732]

One of the many times me and Malcolm have decorated the Nutcracker tree.Yep it is super high to decorate.

[@sierracastro3297]

At my school mostly every year we do the nutcracker we are in elementary in grade 1 at school not ballet school, learning school, I’m a dancer and the roles were randomly chosen and I got to be a sugar plum fairy so we were doing dance steps and I was so happy!! Btw it went well!

[@leighbataillon8064]

Johnny you are amazing

[@cameronzemail]

I suck at balancing, I’m not very flexible, and my technique is not great, but I have all the motivation and determination in the world, and I am trying my absolute hardest, and that will take me far, I hope.

[@bookmilla8616]

I am so sad by the fact that I probably will never be a part of the Nutcracker or any ballet for that matter. I’ve danced passionetly since age 3/4. I practiced so hard many times a week, and then at age 13 I had a mental breakdown and had to quit. I’m now 15, and I still cannot do a simple thing as attend school. I never had a plan B, my dream was always to dance (specifically Sugar plum fairy) and now my dream is most likely ruined. I wanted this so so badly and i fought so hard for it, I just wish I could dance on stage with all of my heart.

[@senbebe3320]

BookMilla it’s alright just keep on doing your best to reach your goal 😊

[@loves_gone4]

keep going! you never know whats gonna happen

[@deevinay]

Try it again! It’s not too late!

[@chess4072]

I really really hope you can go bacm to dancing ballet! Dom't let mental breakdown stop you for a long time!

[@astridweaver3291]

This comment really touched me! I’m a dancer and I have recently suffered through some mental trauma. I’ve had mental breakdowns since then. I’m not sure and there’s no way I can compare my emotional state to yours, but I would just like to say that you should never give up... And if your dream is to dance as the Sugarplum Fairy then I believe if you really work hard you can do anything! I hope you don’t find this too cheesy, I really mean it all.

[@사라미-o2h]

ok the guy at 1:56 is beautiful *~*

[@baletkanatka2162]

Thid year we making on Nutracker❤️ I’m Clara😘

[@calliejet4499]

this is the first year i won't be going to see the nutcracker :(

[@fsmishere5992]

Why?

[@ltp4817]

The script the narrator was saying was a Ballad

[@VHSarah]

The main choreographer reminds me of the ballet version of Mr. G, aka Helen Gregson, aka Greg Gregson Center for the Performing and Visual Arts

[@jordan9603]

Never once have I danced or even seen a dance studio but I enjoy the art of dance. Just want to say this bc I cant relate to all the dancers in the comments so...ummm bye

[@appleheadsworld9230]

Ive been dancing since I was 2, I went on pointe just before my 7th birthday and did my first performance a year later, I've danced for 12 years now, I've been Clara 5 times and for this years 2018 nutcracker performance I've been signed for auditions as Clara again some tips for new en pointe dancers and a few days before you dance the performance is I like to just lay down on my back, feet and legs against the wall, put my earphones in and listen to the music of the dance and run through the steps, also a good nights sleep will definitely help and the obvious one, LOTS of practice hope this helps!

[@meganjoslin7666]

ZestyLemonShannon why the hell would your teacher let you go on pointe at the age of 6....your supposed to be at least 13 and have at least 5 years of training before any pointe work

[@meganjoslin7666]

Some people go early but 11 is the earliest it should be not 6

[@ThotProphet]

The woman at 2:30 (Alder?) reminds me of Edna Mode from the incredibles.

[@SuzieNerds]

NO CAPES

[@balletstar6760]

Haha true

[@Snewton12]

Yes, unfortunately ballet daners don't make very much. Larger companies can pay more and provide point shoes, buy many pay little as it is a very expensive art form and govt. funding is rare especially in the US.

[@cat4lina]

Pointe*

[@shiningstar4644]

I love ballet! :-)

[@localmetalhead3483]

Me too

[@kaminewman3268]

What is Olga’s full nane

[@bannanagem25]

So do I!!

[@richardgan9108]

I wish I could've saw that show. I'm doing ballet now so... it doesn't really matter I'm going to have a show like that in about 3 weeks from now

[@nick_cooper]

These two Nutcracker videos today have been amazing. Thank you!

[@sophia-uw2zf]

does anyone who’s really good at dance know a good way to keep your seat tucked? it’s my biggest struggle and my most consistent and i just can’t seem to keep my spine straight

[@lreese3961]

sophiaaa marieee try not to arch your back and it might feel like you are curling your back (like in the “cat” part of “cat/cow”) but that’s what I try and do

[@stalewater8990]

that just seems terrifyingly stressful

[@alyssarosexoxo5496]

True. All of that to put on an amazing, effortless LOOKING Performance

[@disha2517]

Did you guys notice at 1:51 a boy messed up in the back?

[@nerueru5756]

after all that their lunch looks small O_O not a critique it just struck me seeing those little mouths eat so restrained

[@lexyshannon9428]

Probably because professional dancers have to have a pretty strict diet depending on the season. They have to eat a certain amount of calories the closer the performance is, and the food has to be healthy to make sure they're at a certain weight and in the best shape they can be for dancing. At least that's what I've seen from videos about the daily lives of professional adult ballerinas.

[@sophia-uw2zf]

they probably eat small meals through the day because they’re busy all the time. i eat before i go to dancer and then stay there from like 10-2 and i only have like an orange there and then eat a snack and then dinner. it’s easier that way and i’m not that hungry during that time either

[@lupin0745]

in my experience, you cannot eat a lot because you have to squeeze your body so much. they cannot risk vomiting. especially on stage.

[@cameronzemail]

Yeah, but eating a ton of food before a hard core rehearsal is never a good idea, because you can get nauseated or even throw up. I normally eat a lot after my shows/rehearsals and some light snacks during. Seaweed, granola bar, some chips maybe, fruit, ect. Nobody wants to risk throwing up.

[@rebeccas9715]

@@lexyshannon9428 Ok so no offense but... YOU ARE COMPLETELY INCORRECT. dancers eat a lot and when they are not on the job as much as they want. I mean went you are doing ballet for 8-9 hours a day it kinda hard to gain much weight from eating. Also because they work such long hours they need there fuel. Ballet burn MANY carbs. Have a nice day :)

[@jjlikestea4815]

The narrator speaks with rhymes

[@m_y_o_j_o]

Omg RAD...... that program was an experience haha

[@balletstar6760]

The music at the start is my ballet music omg

[@astridr4997]

i dont even know why but the way the dude makes everything rhyme is making me shit myself laughing

[@loydoyanddi2342]

I'm 14 is it too late to start training and hopefully become a professional?

[@oufc29]

you are never to late to start ballet might not be able to become profesional, i started ballet in 2005 at age 25 years old and i have already done 6 ballet performances and have already had to play 4 female ballet roles so instead of wearing dancebelt support cup thong leotard footed tights ballet socks and ballet shoes i had to wear female underwear pink footed tights a pancake tutu and bodice attached to the tutu and pink pointe shoes so its never too late

[@inorseilen4096]

It is late because you will not be able to catch up with the other dancers. You will struggle and it will be a lot of new things for you. Most girls by that age, already have their pointe shoes but you won't. You'll need a lot of practise which might leave you in pain. Take this advice from a ballerina aged 13 who has been dancing since the age of three.

[@lilyt9020]

Actually it's not one of the professional dancers at my school started at 16! He wasn't flexible at all and stuff like that! You just need to work harder!!!!!

[@meganjoslin7666]

It’s never too late. I’m 18 and finally a professional dancer and I started late so if you work hard and believe in yourself with heaps of support that you can do it

[@inorseilen4096]

For a professional yes but if you just want to spend you time no

[@samiahuq6313]

[@cl0ud930]

Johnny Johnny _be more formal woh your father_ Yes papa

[@davidlogan4329]

magnificent

[@さくら-w3t1k]

I have been in the nutcracker for 3 years and its been a pain but at least this year i skiped it and im glad i did

[@neilaconfuser]

Coisa linda!

[@kirachandesuu]

why do they all soo good-looking while i still look like a potato like why are all ballet dancers i've seen like this :(

[@stregapez5498]

3:47 is that Natalia Osipova?

[@brucedabetta]

Agreed!

[@amandastrauss143]

We are doing The Nutcracker this year and im a Parent, Snowflake, Arabian and in Waltz of The Flowers.

[@thewonderfulworldofderek6087]

1993 years Tcm oascr awesome awards bast good movie' biography documentary New part you in ballet l like it

[@oufc29]

Question please do the boys wear a dancebelt with support cup inside? also My ballet school is putting on the Nutcracker i have been chosen to play the role of the sugar plum fairy it’s my first time and I’m a little nervous anyone have any advice on what i would need to wear for this role ?

[@ashleywaller9764]

I'm a party boy in my company's nutcracker production

[@wassup6812]

Ashleyyy Waller I was a Party girl last year in mine lol

[@fernandacarvalh.o]

ok, mas o locutor rimando levou o vídeo a outro nível

[@thewonderfulworldofderek6087]

It's 60th anniversary years History of nutcracker review 30th anniversary interviews It's good

[@andreabweek]

My ballet school is putting the Nutcracker on this holiday season and I’ll be dancing the role of the sugar plum fairy it’s my first time and I’m a little nervous anyone have any advice?

[@greeneyes12346]

HawaiiPeach :3 breath and have fun first of all. Also practice as if you’re preforming so when you’re preforming it’s like practice. If you have any specific questions just ask.

[@andreabweek]

K Williams ok thank you 😊

[@Elemiriel]

Could there be anything better for selling ballet tickets?

[@juliagreene5650]

my school is part of the singing part in the nutcracker

[@girlwiththegreenhair]

is it just me,or does the one teacher really creep around like this? :D

[@anderslindblom3763]

That man, Christopher Carr,,,, his weird (extremely weird) hairdo.is hilarious!!

[@saintcel51]

i wish i could do ballet, or gymnastics,or cheer, or ice skating. i got stuck with swimming 💀

[@vaslav030547]

Nice vid at a normal speed (Not like a Chaplin movie) Thank you for posting.

[@WitherQueen]

I wish I could do this

[@ecstaccy5464]

Who plays Clara?

[@grapepotatos1921]

WE DO THAT AT THE BAR TOO WHHAAAT. (2:32). We suck at it but whatata

[@samantha-we9xp]

May 2019 anyone?😂😂

[@emmsteemmastewart]

it's part of the ballet, lighting for the christmas tree or something i think

[@adadzamic6442]

Anyone knows what the piece of music is at 2.31?

[@BlindingFlashlights]

I also want to know 🥺

[@Nico-Callahan]

my ballet teachers name is Olga haha

[@5850terry]

Is it true that typical ballet dancers make very little money?

[@shabina8527]

5850terry yes

[@meghanhardin6601]

5850terry about as much as a retail worker