There are some stories that are universal and regardless of were do you live, it is very likely that you have heard about them. When I was a child, a have watched an animated film called “The Nutcracker” and ever since that moment, it became one of those films without which Christmas was not complete. This year I had a great opportunity to visit the local cinema and see the ballet performed in Royal Opera House about the same story. The event originally took place on 8th December 2016, but the performance was so great that it has been recorded and periodically shown in cinemas across the UK.

I am very new to the subject of ballet. It was my 2nd time when I went to watch it in cinema. Until then, just like many of people, I heard of it, I have seen some short films about it, but it was always looking the same – skinny dancers jumping in a empty room, dressed in white and wearing shoes with square toes, so they could stand on their fingers from time to time. What an eye opening experience it was to see the actual whole performance. The Orchestra playing an amazing music, the scene prepared to the smallest details, the beautiful costumes worn by the dancers, the choreography, the energy, the enjoyment on their faces. Unforgettable.

This time, before I went to see the spectacle, I prepared myself and read the story. I have learned during my first venue, that watching people dancing is one thing, but understanding the story which the dancers try to tell through their movement along side the music gives so much more appreciation for the whole performance. It is like suddenly I could hear the dialog between the performers, despite no one was actually talking – but because I knew what was the story about, so I could could imagine what would they would talk about. Hope you see my point?

The performance was made out of two acts. The First Act was more about the story. The Christams in the house of Stahlboums, the tricks of Drosselmeyer, the dreams of Clara and the fight between The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. The Second Act took place in the Sugar Garden of the Kingdom of Sweets and this part is mainly dancing. Both acts were amazing, both made me smile from the excitement and appreciation for the hard work of all the people on the scene.

One day I would like to go to the live venue in London. It must be a life changing experience to see this work of art live in my own eyes. Before that tho, I need to learn more about it.

POINTE SHOES APPEAL

Each year The Royal Ballet dances through more than 6,000 pairs of pointe shoes. You can help support their extraordinary work at roh.org.uk/pointe