Ballet de Paris - Casse-Noisette

Hoffmann's tale inspired Marius Petipa to create a first dance version in 1892. In 1985, Rudolf Nureyev restaged the ballet at the Paris Opera in sets and costumes that emphasize the strangeness of the tale. Snowflakes, flowers, and enchanted landscapes form the backdrop for a dazzling choreography, while Clara's dreams are carried by Tchaikovsky's sparkling and colorful score. The story: On Christmas Eve, young Clara is given a lifeless puppet, a nutcracker. As she holds it in her arms, she falls asleep and dreams of a fantastical world where toys and fears come to life. Surrounded by tin soldiers, rats, and oversized dolls, and guided by the wooden puppet who has become a charming prince, young Clara confronts her desires and fears in this coming-of-age tale. Music | Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Choreography | Rudolf Nureyev Musical direction | Andrea Quinn Cast: Dorothée Gilbert, Principal Dancer (Clara), Guillaume Diop, Principal Dancer (Drosselmeyer, The Prince), the First Female Dancers, the First Male Dancers and the Corps de Ballet of the Paris Opera Ballet. With the participation of students from the Paris Opera Ballet School, Maîtrise des Hauts-de-Seine/Paris Opera Children's Choir Ballet in two acts. Recorded at the Paris Opera/Opéra Bastille on December 16 and 19, 2023.