The Royal Ballet rehearse The Nutcracker - Insights

Join The Royal Ballet as they rehearse their classic Christmas production of The Nutcracker. Available to watch via our streaming service stream.roh.org...
The Nutcracker returns to the stage this Christmas in a reworked, COVID-safe version for The Royal Ballet. This restaging of Peter Wright’s celebrated two-act production features students of The Royal Ballet School alongside the full Company.
Many of the much-loved elements of this cherished classic remain, from the magical growing Christmas tree, to the enchanting dance of the snowflakes and spectacular pas de deux with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her prince in the Kingdom of Sweets. There will be a new battle scene between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King and their armies choreographed by Will Tuckett.
This festive treat for the whole family has a special place in the hearts of ballet fans around the world, a production that has captivated children and adults alike since its first performance by The Royal Ballet in 1984. Combined with Tchaikovsky's sumptuous score and charming designs by Julia Trevelyan Oman, this is a magical ballet for the whole family.

[@RoyalBalletAndOpera]

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[@lelafritzer2955]

I love Anna Rose, I really hope that she and Fumi will get promoted to principal soon!

[@KamElizzza]

Me too :)

[@jamiesophiepostler1452]

They definitely deserve it! Fumi was stunning as Aurora and Anna-Rose puts so much uniqueness and personality in her dancing with her facial expressions and her quick but precise moves. They're one of my favourites

[@jessaglenny]

I think it won't be long in coming. But I also think it's good to give dancers plenty of time to grow into that kind of status.

[@NataliaCatrufo]

Me too 💗

[@anna.beatrice]

And Mayara Magri!!!

[@aidepaul534]

Romany is such a beautiful and soulful creature.

[@roseberry-nj2ux]

Im a musician and therefore live in the pit but I still look forward to these more than anything

[@KatiSzed]

I also love these videos. I used to dance and now I'm an orchestral musician too. :-) what and where do you play?

[@lelafritzer2955]

How did you two get there? Are you professionals? I'd love to play for a ballet one day and I'd especially love to do it as a professional ^^

[@LilianaCoutoBallet]

@@lelafritzer2955 I am a former dancer, ballet teacher and choreographer.

[@roberthoward6590]

I have conducted Nutcracker 62 times and am always in awe of the dancers" amazing skill and heart. In this act I pas de deux, I remember seeing the lights come up with the male dancer motionless on the floor unable to fight back tears. The great lift in the act II pas de deux takes my breath away every time.

[@gracewenzel]

That first swell of notes in the pas de deux hit and out came the tears.

[@suejones9140]

The pas de deux music always makes me cry.... so beautiful.

[@claudiataylor9207]

@@suejones9140 same!

[@Kaplinskette]

Gary Avis is such a generous and nurturing ballet master.

[@awiddy]

Beautiful job! I adore watching rehearsals with Chris Saunders because he gives such good feedback to the dancers; it's always so constructive and kind. 🎵"Where's the arm, don't cheat the port de bras-haaaaa"🎵

[@steemdup]

I love Romany Pajdak, she's a beautiful and brilliant dancer; I can't help but wonder why she wasn't offered these primary roles years ago? So glad that she's thrilled for the opportunity this season!

[@sylviahalo]

Exactly how I’ve felt

[@lelafritzer2955]

That's true! I love how expressive she is!

[@sl4917]

I hate to speculate but she seems to have lost a lot a weight compared to herself in some of her earlier videos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2WkZ4OCmqx8eJY I have always loved her and find her lines exquisite, both then and now. I hate to think that even ROH would subscribe to such ridiculous beauty standards and reward its dancers with roles for losing weight. Please, someone, prove me wrong.

[@hk6970]

I thought her technique got improved in recent years because she has been with the company for the longest time.

[@cloudywinter772]

@@sl4917 To my eyes though, apart from being more muscular, her figure hasn't changed much. I think her acting has advanced quite a bit. In fact to me, her acting is better than her technique (even tho she's quite good on both fronts). I remember seeing her in class during an older WBD video, and she didn't seem to turn very well (I could be remembering it incorrectly). I also joyfully watched her part in the last ROH live stream where she played the lead role in cathy marston's ballet. Her acting was breathtaking, but she had a couple of attitudes that didn't fully use her back muscle and opened her side too much.

[@paulinaobriggs8158]

Thanks for posting this!!! Rehearsal videos are my favorite, specially from the ROH

[@lidergeometri4170]

Thank you kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYXIaGmMo9Cspck

[@meganomahoney5450]

Can you dance on ponite

[@elizac876]

WHO HERE HAS THEIR WHOLE LIFE CONSUMED WITH BALLET?????

[@larissaestor3995]

Me. Definitely.

[@52worship]

Me too! and proud of it!

[@lavone5541]

I know i don't count because I don't dance (weak joints) , but i really love watching ballet :3

[@mlmj1994]

Just a major dance fan. Been wannabe dancer since childhood 😂

[@KimCarmenWalsh]

Anna Rose and Marcelino are such a lovely dance partnership and such lovely people too!!

[@i.g.9188]

I love Romany! I'm so glad she's getting more featured roles recently- she's a gorgeous dancer

[@Prettytacky]

Anna Rose and Marcelino are a magical pairing

[@user-cp9eb7xd6p]

Anne Rose and Romany are very talented dancers and I love watching their progress.

[@marciacaple2037]

I find the pairing of Romany and Leo Dixon very appealing. There are lots of well deserved compliments about Romany, but let's thank Leo for an excellent contribution as a sensitive partner and a strong technician. Thanks Gary for supportive coaching.

[@louisiannealvarez9983]

The nutcracker is my favorite ballet play. I love T.chaikovski :)

[@reenaperkins2002]

Nathalie, you did a wonderful job!! I always love Chris Saunders and Gary Avis as coaches. So much positive reinforcement for the well-deserved dancers. They were all, of course, lovely as well. Just an all-around fantastic company.

[@leandracampbell6236]

The sugar plum fairy pa de dux is my fav in the whole show

[@KarasuChanAsNodtislove]

Its everyones favorite. Actually her solo is my favorite. Its easily the most iconic thing in this ballet.

[@cigtt]

So happy for Romany! she has always been a standout, I really hope she makes first soloist as there are a few at that rank who I don't believe are as special as she is

[@andremcgregorii2163]

🎵"I AM SO EXCITED! AND I JUST CANT HIDE IT!" 🎶💃🏾🕺🏾

[@petulawhitfield6246]

I’m about to loose control and I think I like it !!

[@lisakirchkuchen1266]

everybody in this video is absolutely lovely!! From the pianist and the beautiful lady commenting to the dancers and the teachers!!! warm, kind, beautiful...!

[@lynnegunn3478]

Wonderful insight from both coaches, and best wishes for the debuts that should be glorious.

[@karinpope7940]

I love these Insight rehearsal sessions! Anna-Rose and Marcelino are a wonderful couple to watch! Disappointed that Nutcracker isn’t going to be streamed though...

[@alessandramendoza8490]

I think it's on Netflix

[@meganomahoney5450]

Who playing Clara in this video

[@aaaaisling]

⁠@@meganomahoney5450Clara is Romany Pajdak !

[@laurajohnson833]

Marianela Nunez is my favorite dancer so I usually have trouble watching someone else dance a role when I've fallen in love with Nela's performance, but OH MY Anna Rose is just flawless. Her energy, grace, technique - it's all amazing. She's amazing. And Romany!! I've always adored her so seeing her excitement over landing the role of Clara is infectious.

[@lindaguscott7883]

Watching these rehearsals has been so enjoyable. Thank you, everyone!

[@balletfan4154]

Romany Pajdak was brilliant in the Enigma Variations broadcast and I think she would be a wonderful Giselle

[@emlynn1004]

Gary Avis is such an excellent coach. I enjoyed watching this. Very positive and encouraging.

[@RafaelSantos-xl1ut]

Lovely rehearsal. Specially with Marcelino 🥰🥰🥰

[@dbcoco]

I can’t wait!!!! Thanks in advance for sharing your world with us!

[@dbcoco]

@@zehrag merhaba!! eskiden beri bale hastasıyım aslında, çocukken uzun seneler yaptığım için... fakat klasiklere şimdi dönüş yaşıyorum

[@santi7616]

Anna Rose is an exquisite ballerina, really unique, wonderful. Thank you for such a nice video 🥇😊💖

[@msjapan112]

Nathalie is a good presenter!

[@catlover132]

Real treat seeing the rehearsal footage. Wonderful to see the dancers here, and then be able to recognise them in performance, even those in the corps roles. Appreciate all the precision as well as the dedication and talent. Great role modelling for teaching too from the coaches. Thanks to all!

[@marianoelmontesdeoca5491]

love chrismas, ballet and tchaykovsky music

[@felipemendoza6620]

Leo Dixon has so much potential

[@lollylula6399]

So looking forward to this! Everything related to the Nutcracker - reading the book, listening to the full music, watching productions - are a highlight of my festive season. The Royal Ballet's production is my absolute favourite & I really enjoy these insights. Thank you for sharing Royal Ballet ❄️💗✨

[@lburgess63]

Please, please may we see Ro as Juliet? Even just a single scene? And streamed, for all your subscribers to watch? She's just so perfect for the role.

[@louisianalady7105]

Anna Rose and Marce are so elegant together! They complement one another as well as enhance each other's individual performance. Really lovely! Thank you! 💜

[@aquablushgirl]

I hope to see Marcelino dance one day. I think he is extraordinarily wonderful to watch. He has such charisma and warmth.

[@pvandck]

What a very nice presentation from Nathalie Harrison. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@elizac876]

Just had nucracker where i am my friend got promoted to principle and she got sugar plum!!!!!! so happy for her💜💜💜

[@elizac876]

@@milliehatchett7864 Oh my goodness congrats!!! that's huge! where do u dance?

[@elizac876]

@@milliehatchett7864 that's amazing, im still a student but am working really hard on getting a scholarship in Cincinnati, i'm from ky

[@elizac876]

@@milliehatchett7864 U GOT THIS GIRL!!! i am rooting for u

[@elizac876]

@@milliehatchett7864 thank u, u literally have no idea how much that meant to me i really appreciate it

[@barbaralemere5183]

They were an absolutely lovely couple and will be wonderful in these roles. Well done! Thank you Royal Ballet!

[@richardhoare9406]

Fascinating to watch this rehearsal and to see the meticulous work that goes into preparing a performance. So sad for these young dancers that things have been put on hold. So hope they get to perform it eventually!

[@larryslove8906]

romany is gorgeous!!

[@PamelaMars]

Love this. It really shows the work that goes into a performance.

[@KAAKKK]

I adore the strength and lines of ballet dancers legs, they’re just beautiful to look at

[@dolphinkid5341]

Yesss finally some appreciation for Romany! And Leo is incredible!

[@weirdlife1013]

as a broke college student who has always been interested in how big production houses handle the rehearsals, the stream of videos that came out this year almost makes me feel spoiled. damn i really miss rehearsals

[@georginareid3828]

Wonderful!!!!! always interesting to see dancers preparing for a rose the VERY first time !!!

[@marialuizacastro6236]

Royal =amazing dacers and mestres

[@a.phillips6892]

Loved this so much! I’m really enjoying getting to know the dancers, and seeing them in rehearsal is such a great bonus! Thank you so much!💕

[@lburgess63]

I've had my eye looking for Ro since I saw her do a rock-steady leadout of the Willies in Bayadere. In addition to her talent, she is blessed with one of the most beautiful faces I've ever seen. Nutcracker Boy, meanwhile....woof. Pity he knows how good looking he is. Hopefully his dancing will come up to match that profile.

[@smallkat99]

Yes, same. There was no-one better to lead out the Willies. Her face is so soulful, that I cannot help but be drawn to watch her.

[@LuckyDucky917]

Wonder if Gary Avis will be twirling his cape this year! Love The Nutcracker!

[@smallkat99]

Yes he is!

[@marialuizacastro6236]

I love ballet 😍

[@nefwaenre]

Marci is absolutely wonderful! So majestic! ♥

[@maliarosaetoss2854]

I wish I could watch all the show live....beautiful dancers...

[@imabelle45]

Thank you, it was a delight!

[@elliewhistler01]

Oh my irene her Anna’s technique is flawless and her extension is to die for

[@hobbybugs1286]

The pas de deux at the beginning was beautiful I was nearly in tears after a while I was in tears

[@mariposaorofusionfoodchann7573]

Marcelino is one hot beefcake!! He and Anna-Rose work well together!

[@laurendavis185]

It kind of looks like Gary Avis is coaching a younger version of himself!

[@kiksocks12]

Snow pas is my favorite music...❤️

[@datumzinememories]

I'm going to buy a ticket for Houston ballet but as being high risk and my daughter has autism adhd and epilepsy...it's the first time we will ever get to see a production of the nutcracker through the access of getting to see it in virtual setting which wouldn't have be possible in person. Often do many things don't have access for those who might have disabilities that some would consider troublesome. So support you virtual arts. I'm glad to have been able to see so many insights on your ballet as well and that you let so many people into your world it's very meaningful.

[@KarasuChanAsNodtislove]

Houstan ballet is amazing i love them

[@sunnygem21]

What a charming and well spoken presenter. :-)

[@NataliaCatrufo]

I love Anna Rose and Marci 💗🇧🇷

[@captainspace6811]

She has an amazing bourree! I hope to see it when its done.

[@isshoni_ichigo]

最初のデヴェロッペの爪先美しい！ あの爪先だけで踊りに引き込まれました…💓

[@dfghdfghuytiu8207]

I love that these are real rehearsals, not faked for the audience.

[@glynnwright1699]

Very well presented tonight...

[@ppman2994]

ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR

[@alr202]

How exciting!!!❤️

[@chaplintyler9277]

Romany is beautiful and I also wonder why she was only now promoted to soloist.

[@agustingoncalves542]

I love this

[@rusudanidemetrashvili9253]

great job! dancers are very talented and choreographer is very constructive.

[@jazylou584]

Just lovely!

[@asantos704]

Wow they are both proper sweethearts

[@Uditaleberg]

This is so very beautiful!

[@jussarabrito368]

Waiting excited for the rehearsal ❤️

[@kika1256]

Orgulho 🥰❤️😚🌟

[@EvgeniiaDolinenko]

Very interesting, especially for people who are not professional dancers. 💗💗💗

[@chilanya]

i'm just itching to try steps from the first pas de deux. that adagio is my teacher's favourite music so fingers crossed!

[@sophiec.4485]

Leo is so prince like wow-

[@colonelflashman972]

Bravo!

[@mlpsparks1775]

Perfect!❤

[@Marco-iy7bp]

Have tickets for the 23rd

[@sarah88_66]

Lovely work guys, bring back Alice's adventures in wonderland. It my favourite after this one

[@princessoftides87]

So wonderful to follow their careers! If anything comes between them and this debut (I think it is one?) I’ll be very upset!

[@AllieB-11.11]

Well....it ended up being cancelled sadly.

[@emmyaward]

TEHEE! AHAHAHA IM SO EXCITEDDDDDDDD😁😁🤣

[@lovelyperson9]

Please consider putting a recorded version of this year's Nutcracker on Marquee!!!

[@vanessaivonne3863]

So exprisive😍🤩

[@filippopezzuoli4113]

3:53 Sugar Plum Pas De Deux (The Prince and The Sugar Plum Fairy)

[@zorbeeborbee2930]

who else here is going to be in a different nutcracker ballet

[@itssavannahgrace5081]

I wish : (

[@zorbeeborbee2930]

@@itssavannahgrace5081 i am

[@zorbeeborbee2930]

@@milliehatchett7864 COOL!! This is my first year and I am a toy solder

[@benjaminyip9112]

Looking forward to a socially distanced Pas de deux 🤣

[@ZombieMeow]

Male dancer reminds me of Freddie Prince Jr lol

[@juliaconrado655]

🇧🇷❤

[@MetodoVadim]

like si lo ves desde America Latina

[@80amnesia]

✨✨✨✨👍👍👍👍👍

[@fvs3189]

i noticed that the director was holding his mask in his hand :C you aren't supposed to touch your mask because you are touching all the stuff in the air that your mask picks up,sooo it is counterintuitive to do it, right? at least if you do, clean your hands thoughtfully

[@AllieB-11.11]

Give them a break. Who on earth is keeping to every rule like that? Most people are beyond sick of masks and lockdowns by now.

[@amaradimartino1533]

Traducir por favor!!! Quem não domina o Inglês perde muito conhescimento..... .

[@user-bw9yj7in1w]

3:59

[@eb4256]

What is “orange segment”?

[@lollylula6399]

The male dancer catches the female dancer & then walks in a small semi circle that is the shape of an orange segment.

[@eb4256]

@@lollylula6399 thanks. I’m old (Lol) but I used to dance professionally and never heard the term orange segment.

[@lollylula6399]

@@eb4256 you're welcome, I'm getting to the middle aged part :) I don't think it's a technical term but I've seen previous Insight rehearsals of this piece where they remind the male to do the semi circle before spinning. I wanted to be a ballerina but never got past regular classes. What kind of dancing did you do?