The Nutcracker ballet is one of the symbols of New Year celebrations. By tradition, it is presented on theatrical stages on the eve of a joyful winter holiday – the New Year. The repertoire of the Astana Ballet Theatre includes a production of The Nutcracker (edited by Vasily Vainonen), which was staged by Altynai Asylmuratova, People’s Artist of Russia. She is the prima ballerina of the Mariinsky Theatre, the Royal Ballet of Great Britain, and the Marseille National Ballet, as well as the artistic director of the ballet of the “Astana Opera” National Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Kazakh National Academy of Choreography. The Nutcracker by Vainonen is considered not just one of the best examples of the Saint Petersburg classical school, it is a magical, colourful and very kind fairy tale for children and adults.
The Nutcracker ballet is more than 130 years old. The libretto is based on Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann’s fairy tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”. Tchaikovsky collected musical quotes from all over the world in his ballet: there are Georgian lullaby, Arabic melodies, and German dance songs. In this ballet, for the first time, the French music instrument Celesta was included in the score of Russian composers, the sounds of which are similar to a crystal chime.
This legendary ballet exists in different versions. Original productions have repeatedly been shown on European and American stages. There are many variations and interpretations. But the production edited by Vasily Vainonen is especially colourful and kind New Year’s fairy tale about friendship and the mighty power of love that overcomes evil spells.
In addition, a visit to the theatre on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Holidays is not only an immersion in the magical atmosphere, but also a sign of good taste. Elegant spectators, sparkling lights on the Christmas tree, toys, and the smell of tangerines – this is the holiday. The outstanding dancers of Astana Ballet will perform a fairy tale that amazes children and adults. So, one of the ways to create a festive mood is to go to the production of The Nutcracker at the Astana Ballet Theatre. After this performance, it is impossible not to believe in a New Year’s miracle.