The Nutcracker in rehearsal (The Royal Ballet)

Join dancers from The Royal Ballet LIVE in rehearsal as they prepare for Peter Wright's production of The Nutcracker.
Featuring Principals Lauren Cuthbertson and Matthew Golding with Director of The Royal Ballet Kevin O'Hare. Also featuring First Soloist James Hay and Soloist Fumi Kaneko with Guest Principal Ballet Master Christopher Carr. Presented by Kirsten O'Brien.
Find out more at www.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 The Sleeping Beauty in 1890. Marius Petipa created the scenario, which is based on a fairytale by E.T.A. Hoffmann, 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 unforgettable music has 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 taken to the Kingdom 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. Julia Trevelyan Oman’s designs draw upon 19th-century images of Christmas, making this a magical production for the festive season.

[@TintinaLily]

No matter how many times I come back to this video I always get blown away by Lauren's dancing. She's so airy and dainty and beautiful. She floats on stage, delicate and so natural. Mathew is absolutely stunning as well. Perfect partner, gracefull and strong, methodical and still beautiful.

[@letitsnow8518]

She is stiff and awkward,

[@animatedmovie1359]

fumi has GOT TO BE like in the top 5 rising dancers of the company she is stunning im literally counting down the days for her promotion and im so glad james is a first soloist

[@bauhausexo8053]

shes the sugar plum fairy now!

[@RoyalBalletAndOpera]

For all those who mentioned enjoying Fumi Kaneko's performance in this rehearsal, she's on stage tomorrow night as The Gypsy Girl in The Two Pigeons www.roh.org.uk/people/fumi-kaneko Best wishes, Ellen

[@anaguimaraes5187]

Lauren is absolutely stunning here! That was BEAUTIFUL!!

[@NK-eo3yb]

OMG Fumi is too beautiful

[@pinkume]

really love the bit of Fumi and James' rehearsal! Simply phenomenal!!

[@santi7616]

Lauren is divine. she is in my opinion the best Aurora I've ever seen. the best :-) thanks for the video

[@angelgirl8533]

Lauren and Sarah Lamb are my favourite ballerinas in the Royal Ballet. And Matthew Ball is such a perfect partner. I'm born in London and as a child I always saw Darcey Bussell's performances and I think that nowadays the only dancers that still captivate me like her are Lauren, Sarah and Marianela.

[@kathleennelson8305]

This is not Matthew Ball it is Matthew Golding. 😊

[@oliviahopkins7365]

In the last run through when Fumi moves a bit on her spins I think James is fantastic to know where to finish to be aiming at her perfectly even after he has been spinning as well- beautiful

[@bluebell8557]

Matthew and Lauren were absolutely amazing

[@xMia311]

Matthew looks like a young Brad Pitt! And it is clear that he is a strong dancer and can take care of his partner.

[@beckyj9512]

+Mia H im related to him and he definitely does look like Brad Pitt up close!

[@xMia311]

+Becky J How cool!!! May I ask how you are related to him?

[@beckyj9512]

+Mia H he's my cousin!

[@viva7170]

+Becky J that's absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!!!

[@louisevitoriaxc]

Mia H I thought the same thing!!!!

[@jetetendu971]

I love James Hay😍 he is a wonderful dancer💗

[@11370LB]

What a difference between the way the two rehearsals were conducted. The second one was so much more dynamic with lots of constructive input.

[@clairerubbelke2238]

I personally relate with christopher carr's extremely detailed explanation of The Box , it's so extra lmao

[@lazarocedeno5270]

So Gorgeous. Thanks dear Artists.

[@Farahaburous]

Christopher Carr is such a character! I wish if he would choreograph a piece!!!

[@liznichols42]

The Nutcracker in rehearsal with Lauren Cutbertson and Matthew Golding with Kevin o'Hare is amazing. The movements where he is holding her - just before the 30 minute point are so incredible they brought tears to my eyes. What sensitivity, trust, vulnerability and strength they bring to this pas de deux - it is truly magnificent. A memorable moment. Thank you for these insights Liz Nichols, Reading

[@XpunkishXduckX]

the make-up she wears for the performance is absolutely gorgeous. LOVE the wig on her too. AH, they're both amazing...

[@zoea2737]

Lauren is a stunning dancer

[@NinaLetizia]

Lauren dances beautifully!!!

[@miazhong53]

Love Lauren's line!!

[@TigerPrawn_]

That piece of music remains my favourite ever. I was just getting really into it when they stopped and went over the dancing. It just fills me with such emotion, and I almost cried, but didn't, gahhh!

[@kayleecromling7132]

matthew is freakishly strong haha i feel like this version is so much more aggressive because they are both quite strong dancers. it's still beautiful, don't misunderstand me, but i honestly think yumi and nehemiah spoiled us with their partnering a few years back. perfectly romantic and soft. lauren is beautiful and i always enjoy watching her performances. i've not seen matthew in very much though.

[@WitoldBanasik]

The ballerina appears to a swirling angel, full of passion for love, agility, flexibility, charisma and of breath-taking elegance beauty. She has made me speechless... as usual. And imagine... that's just a rehearsal... Bless you, dear Lauren !

[@UrsKang315]

There's chemistry in their pas de deux. Lovely.

[@sonyawalker9212]

The only pas de deux I never performed. Personally, my favorite. Brain cancer stopped my life completely. NEVER STOP DANCING.

[@sarahn.4775]

I LOVED seeing rehearsals!!

[@moodikooler]

Their feet are GOALS!

[@xy2565]

Omg yaas. Thank you Royal ballet. Love all the rehearsal vids!!

[@mauridegooijer3064]

25:25 these turns are fabulous

[@devikajadeja707]

Lauren is just as beautiful and amazing as Fumi. They are both amazing ❤❤

[@shalewagman8086]

Lauren is just beautiful

[@blake-devorak.]

I love how she dances

[@smith13514]

Wow! Such professionalism in a physical job. It's quite remarkable to watch.

[@sessymalin1748]

I was going to do my homework but...

[@HandelLover1989]

Simply amazing! I could watch this all day long and never get tired.... What a pieces of art. I'm so happy, to have opportunity watching this clip. Maybe some day I will find time to watch one of this live on audience ;) :)) Until then, I'm waiting for next broadcasts!

[@emems6620]

Lauren has such control of her spins, its beautiful! Also omg Matthew's beard style I only saw it on my ex lmao

[@liz7451]

Welp. James and Fumi are both unfairly attractive.

[@thomasninan4813]

Elizabeth R. Fumi is attractive

[@suzy6947]

They make such a lovely couple, and the music by Tchaikovsky is still one of my favourite ballet scores.

[@carolineherr3551]

God lauren is stunning! I love these videos, makes me want to start ballet again

[@lyndsaylalonde5154]

I just got to do the Nutcracker with my new company in 2015, and the music and choreography still just stir such feelings in me. I think no dancer can listen to that music and not want to dance.

[@novicedriver1231]

The accompanist in this video is amazing.

[@SomeoneUKnow217]

Lauren simply looks gorgeous, am so happy she recovered well.

[@MissBeautydelight]

so gorgeous !!!!

[@JetteForHer]

They are an amazing strong couple.

[@Tanner_Mi]

Love the nutcracker I have danced in it for three years

[@alexmuso1943]

What artistry! both wonderful dancers

[@pedinurse1]

Wow now , thats how you to this PPD, so daring and exciting, and he is so gorgeous

[@juliettepage]

Beautiful pas de deux! Excellent chemistry. 👏💜

[@samiahuq6313]

this is so nice. i am a bigtime ballet lover and i get so excited when i watchthis

[@aiyyoi]

this choreography is sooooo challenging !!!

[@user-ti8et6gh5z]

Lauren est une telle si sublimissime magnifique danseuse,une telle si sublimissime beauté,et d'un tel si sublimissime charme.Elle est d,'une telle si sublimissime magnificence de merveille absolue.

[@BlogAmantesdeLivros]

Loved the video! I watched Swan Lake here in Brazil at the cinema and it was an amazazing experience! Can not wait to watch The Nutcracker

[@Andrea-sx3xo]

Lauren 😍

[@GewoonelsJustels]

This is so inspirational to watch ❤

[@TotallyMH729TsMH]

1:00:37 Really love this part!

[@rauhi435]

Me too! I'm obsessed with this part!

[@AgnesYuedan]

This is sooo beautiful!

[@indig0icee]

48:07 "And probably other things . . ." hahahaha adorable!

[@sessymalin1748]

Omg so beautiful

[@SarahKateHahn0599]

y'all should update a recording of one of the shows. That would be amazing to watch

[@YK_1975]

the 16th of Desember is my birthday!!))) What a wonderful surprise))

[@raylynch1304]

2.5years ago..joy. the nutcracker..the greatest..private wish it were then now

[@maybewise]

Why do I keep missing the stream? :-(

[@georginareid3828]

Wow what a couple !!!!! So good !!

[@ellenbacklin]

Love matthew!

[@Jazillia007]

I honestly prefer Fumi Kaneko or Yuhui Choe as the Sugar Plum Fairy because I think they're much more delicate. But that's probably just me and everybody else thinks this is gorgeous. :)

[@RichardJH65]

+Jazillia007 I understand where you are coming from because I'm a big Yuhui and Fumi fan too but really I found Lauren more dynamic and exciting. Don't forget that when peforming on the stage you have to project your performance right up up to the furthest cheap seats from the stage.

[@Jazillia007]

Richard JH I understand what you mean. I'm not saying Lauren is bad but some of her moves are to abrupt for me. If I would watch it on stage it would distract me and I don't want to be distracted. I want to lose myself in The Nutcracker and forget this is a ballet. And I like it when a dancer is not only good technical but also is able to be delicate and smooth. :)

[@Olivekaty]

+Jazillia007 I prefer Yuhui too, maybe because we seen them doing this part first.

[@IracebethLovett]

+Jazillia007 I think it's the combination with their partners.. Nehemiah Kish is a much better prince and a more supportive partner (at least it seems like)..

[@Jazillia007]

IracebethLovett Nehemiah Kish is gorgeous for sure! :D

[@sugarcookie7386]

I would love to go to the school Royal ballet academy

[@laimuns]

Wow so beautiful

[@marymohagheghi4875]

IMG Lauren ....you are breathtakingingly musical !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@melonlord5476]

Fumi is so gorgeous wtf???

[@user-ll8vx5zz4i]

Perfection

[@marymohagheghi4875]

She is so beautiful💐💐💐💐💐💖🇺🇸

[@crystaliclake]

wow he looks like a young Brad Pitt!

[@giselles-gazelle1474]

Fumi 😍

[@annacarlajedras4311]

I love Kerr's teaching. Minute corrections that make the difference

[@ihnaghu]

will there be a DVD of the version with Lauren and Matthew? 😊

[@syd5716]

I liked this video before I even pressed play! 😂

[@deborahmurphy112]

The sugar plum fairy perfume sounds so rare to say the least xxxx

[@edith2535]

I am shattered that we in Auckland, New Zealand cannot watch the cinema event!!!!!

[@katied5314]

omg, i loved this

[@TotallyMH729TsMH]

ahhh beautiful!

[@disneysings1897]

Noooooo!!! I missed it!!! :(

[@gracelovespink97]

What pointe shoes does Lauren Cuthbertson wear?

[@gr8fuldeb699]

E from the teacher to the dancers. What a treat pun intended

[@sonyawalker9212]

I miss that life....MY LIFE.

[@AgnesYuedan]

This performance is really different from Fumi and Nehemiah's one, but it is so beautifull too

[@sarahspcreates]

How beautiful! It's a pity they're not broadcasting it to more places on the 16th. Six hours is a bit too long of a drive for a recording, no matter how beautiful it looks like it will be. :( Here's hoping for better luck next year.

[@user-ll8vx5zz4i]

The teacher is so nice not like at the opera of Paris where they shout at them and sometimes insult them even

[@jonnyhibbsmusic4547]

Don't get me wrong, fume was beautiful. But I don't think Lauren is getting the credit she deserves!

[@pheart2381]

Jonny Hibbs Music i agree. She has Class!

[@charlieflower101]

@Lynn Braben she's normally quite good although its been a while also she doesn't normally present for the royal ballet so she could have been brought in last minute

[@beeior5890]

Haven't heard of Matthew lately. Where's he now? Can someone tell me what his upcoming performances for 2017/18?

[@RoyalBalletAndOpera]

Unfortunately Matthew Golding has been injured recently. As they're confirmed forthcoming performances will be listed here www.roh.org.uk/people/matthew-golding.

[@beeior5890]

That's sad to hear. Hope he gets well soon. Thanks for the information!

[@daphnesplinter2842]

Matthew is dancing all over the world now. As a guest dancer.

[@tadaaflo]

the only thing that bothers me is matthew golding gaping mouth. everytime!! otherwise... lovely lovely dance all around :)

[@vindictivetiger]

what's up with your audio not being synced to your video?

[@elsierossi2262]

Seria possível conseguir ver um video da apresentação de 16 de dezembro?. Aqui onde estou não temos transmissão nos cinemas.

[@MariaGloria-lq8fw]

Olá..achei uma brasileira😅 Você saberia me dizer o nome da música do último ensaio no vídeo? (Soldadinho de chumbo)

[@sabrinaschlecht6600]

I Like

[@victoriac.attorneyatlaw]

He is smashingingly delicious (male dancer)

[@twothirdsostrich]

👏👏👏

[@MariaGloria-lq8fw]

*Alguém sabe dizer o nome da música do último ensaio no vídeo?* (Quebra nozes) (Soldadinho de chumbo) Obrigado😉

[@cherryfairy2520]

whats the first song the intro?

[@RoyalBalletAndOpera]

+Jazmin Flores That's the music from the Party scene in Act I

[@cherryfairy2520]

Thank you! :)

[@xcellmorales]

+Esmee Ever After High Practice, practice, practice. Use constructive criticism on yourself.

[@chaukwan199722]

They are pretty, but I like Fumi one more lol

[@BettinsBurton]

nooo, I forget it!