The enchanting presence of young dancers brought a unique charm to The Nutcracker, the iconic Christmas ballet performed at Hanoi Opera House.

On December 21, the fourth season of the Ballet Gala featured The Nutcracker performed by nearly 50 talented young dancers aged 5 to 18 from the Vietnam Youth Ballet Center.

Directed and newly choreographed by Meritorious Artist Dam Han Giang, the production showcased a fresh interpretation with innovative characters and movements.

This year’s highlight was the seamless fusion of European ballet artistry with multicultural influences, including elements inspired by Vietnamese culture.

Classic dances such as the Spanish, Arabian, and Russian pieces were reimagined with modern touches and costumes inspired by Vietnam’s traditional aesthetics.

A magical Christmas atmosphere

The stage at Hanoi Opera House was transformed into a festive wonderland, dominated by red and white tones.

The young performers charmed audiences with their innocence and elegance, creating a distinct flavor for the timeless Christmas classic.

After six months of rigorous training under experienced directors and instructors, the dancers delivered graceful, synchronized movements in various scenes.

Meritorious Artist Dam Han Giang expressed pride in the dedication of his young performers.

“Despite their young age, the children showed tremendous effort in maintaining discipline and formations. I introduced new movements tailored to their physique and stamina while meeting the high standards of this art form,” he said.

The Nutcracker: A timeless Christmas tradition

First performed in 1892, The Nutcracker is a masterpiece choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with music by Tchaikovsky.

The story centers on a Christmas Eve celebration hosted by an aristocratic family, filled with entertainment for both adults and children.

After the guests leave, Clara, a young girl, falls into a magical dream where kitchen tools come alive and dance under the Christmas tree, led by the Nutcracker.

Following a triumphant battle against the Mouse King, the Nutcracker transforms into a handsome prince and guides Clara through a fantastical journey in the winter wonderland and the Land of Sweets.

While adaptations over the years have introduced variations, the core elements of the original ballet remain unchanged, making it an enduring symbol of Christmas.

Do Le