The Nutcracker (Opéra national de Paris)

One Christmas Eve, young Clara is given an inanimate puppet, a nutcracker. Holding it in her arms, she falls asleep and dreams of a fantasy world where toys and fears come to life. Published in Berlin in 1816, this tale by Hoffmann, a master of German Romanticism, inspired Marius Petipa to create an initial dance version in 1892. Amidst tin soldiers, rats and oversized dolls, the world of childhood becomes a ballet. Clara’s dreams and nightmares are brought to life through Tchaikovsky’s sparkling, colourful score. In 1985, Rudolf Nureyev restaged the ballet at the Paris Opera with sets and costumes emphasising the tale’s uncanny nature. Snowflakes, flowers and enchanted landscapes form the backdrop to a dazzling choreography. Guided by the wooden puppet who has become Prince Charming, the young Clara confronts her desires and anxieties in an initiatory tale.