The production ran for three nights at the City Opera House from 5-7/12, with all performances sold out. This ballet draws inspiration from E.T.A. Hoffman's literary work, "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King", transporting audiences to a fairy tale world where Christmas magic and Tchaikovsky's music unfold the story of young Clara and the Nutcracker prince.

Act one takes place in the Stahlbaum house on Christmas Eve. The family gathers to decorate the Christmas tree and prepare for a party, while the children eagerly anticipate their gifts. The unexpected arrival of Drosselmeyer, a magician and Clara's godfather, sets in motion a series of events that lead her into a world of magic. He brings dancing dolls and a wooden soldier-shaped nutcracker.

As everyone sleeps, Clara returns to the living room to visit her new toy. Suddenly, her surroundings transform: a swarm of mice invades, the Christmas tree grows to a colossal size, and the nutcracker comes to life, leading an army of gingerbread soldiers against the Mouse King. Thanks to Clara's brave throw of a slipper, the prince defeats his foe.

Act two opens with a vibrant atmosphere in the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy makes an appearance, performing various dances.

Choreographed by Norwegian artist Johanne Jakhelln Constant, the performance features a diverse cast of characters representing various cultures. A succession of acts unfolds during the celebration welcoming Clara and the prince, contributing to the imaginative world the ballet aims to convey.

In the Land of Sweets segment, a dancer performs an arabesque with stable balance on pointe. The red stage lighting and Christmas backdrop create an ambiance fitting the ballet's festive mood.

"The Dance of the Snowflakes" serves as a transitional sequence between the battle with the Mouse King and the setting of the Land of Sweets. Against the music, dancers perform circular movements, evoking the image of falling snowflakes.

Bathed in blue light, a dancer executes an arabesque. Stage effects accentuate the movement, symbolizing the winter atmosphere within "The Nutcracker".

This re-staging features a cast of dancers including Do Hoang Khang Ninh (as Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy), Le Tuan Anh (as the Nutcracker Prince), and Chika Tatsumi (as the Snow Queen).

Japanese dancer Chika Tatsumi showcases her ballet technique in the role of the Snow Queen.

Chika began studying ballet at the age of three, pursuing a professional performing career by enrolling at the Shenyang Dance Academy, China, at 13. She later continued her training in the Netherlands. In 2015, she joined Arabseque Vietnam dance company, earning acclaim for many roles, including the Black Swan Odile in "Swan Lake".

Conductor Le Ha My rehearses with the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet, Symphony Orchestra and Opera for "The Nutcracker" ballet. Video: Organizer provided.

The music is one of Tchaikovsky's most widely recognized instrumental works. The Nutcracker Suite is considered a cornerstone of the entire ballet, with the Pas De Deux notably beginning with a cello section before developing into a rapid tempo. Conductor Le Ha My directly led the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet, Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO) and the HBSO Female Chorus.

Que Chi

Photos: Ly Vo Phu Hung