Tchaikovsky's Christmas Classic!

Christmas isn't Christmas in Indianapolis without The Nutcracker! Every year Indiana Ballet Conservatory puts on its stunning production of this festive classic. Let the music of Tchaikovsky guide you through glistening fields of snow, into the midst of grueling battles and finally the kingdom of the Sugar Plumb Fairy. This heartwarming ballet is a Christmas must and a perfect introduction for children to the enthralling grace of the art form.

This year's production is staged by IBC's Artistic Director Alyona Yakovleva-Randall, based on the choreography of Vasily Vainonen. While George Balanchine's version is the one most often staged in the USA, Vainonen's hews more closely to the original, Russian Nutcracker. Leading this production is Boston Ballet's Georgian principal dancer, Lasha Knozashvil, who returns to the role after wowing IBC audiences last year.

What is the story?

We open on Christmas Eve, in the Stahlbaum house. There's music and presents and food, and the three Stahlbaum children are beside themselves with joy at the wonder of it all. There's danger on the horizon though, heralded by the arrival at the door of local magician Drosselmeyer. He brings bearing gifts for the children, including a wooden nutcracker. This is just the start of an adventure that will lead our characters into a war between mice and gingerbread men and through the Land of Sweets.