The ballet, inspired by E.T.A. Hoffman's literary work "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King", is a fairy tale set in a child's world. "The Nutcracker" tells the story of young Clara and the Nutcracker Prince from the world of toys. He leads her through a battle with the Mouse King, an adventure to the Land of Sweets, and introduces her to friends from around the world.

The enduring popularity of "The Nutcracker" dates back to its creation. In 1891, legendary choreographer Marius Petipa staged the ballet to music by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. A year later, the ballet premiered and achieved widespread acclaim in Russia. Since the mid-20th century, this ballet remains popular with audiences worldwide. Many dance companies, particularly in the United States, stage the production every Christmas season, conveying wishes of love, life, and a happy new year.

The ballet's score stands as one of Tchaikovsky's most celebrated instrumental works. The Nutcracker Suite is the soul of the performance. The Pas De Deux, a highlight, features a melody that begins with cellos and then develops with a quickening rhythm, building to a climax.

The performance opens with an Overture, leading the audience into a fairy tale world where Clara receives a wooden nutcracker as a Christmas gift. In her sleep beneath the Christmas tree, the gift transforms into a prince who battles the Mouse King. Act two ushers the audience into the festive atmosphere of the Land of Sweets, where the Sugarplum Fairy and an array of sweet characters appear.

Dancers Do Hoang Khang Ninh (left) and Le Tuan Anh in "The Nutcracker" ballet. Photo: Organizers

A highlight of this year's program is the live performance by the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet, Symphony, and Opera (HBSO) Orchestra and the HBSO Female Chorus. The ballet is choreographed by Norwegian artist Johanne Jakhelln Constant, with music conducted by Le Ha My.

This revival features a cast of dancers including: Do Hoang Khang Ninh (Clara and the Sugarplum Fairy), Le Tuan Anh (the Nutcracker Prince), Le Duc Anh (the Cavalier), Chika Tatsumi (the Snow Queen), La Man Nhi (the Dewdrop), Dang Minh Hien (Drosselmeyer), and students from the Salsa Ballet center.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was one of Russia's great composers, celebrated for blending Western romantic style with Russian folk elements. He left behind many timeless masterpieces such as the ballets "Swan Lake," "The Nutcracker," "Sleeping Beauty," along with symphonies and concertos for piano and violin.

Cat Tien