SigmArt, in partnership with Myasnikov Mansion, is delighted to present the legendary Christmas Ballet "The Nutcracker" from one of the most historical music venues in St Petersburg, on the 30th of December at 15.00 GMT (18.00 MSK) exclusive Live streaming on SigmArt.

The St Petersburg Ballet Theatre Saint-Michel presents the first version of the production, which was presented at the Mariinsky Theatre in 1892. Mikhail Venshchikov's choreography was born in the traditions of St Petersburg ballet classics: the author included in the performance the main dance numbers conceived by the first directors, Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov.

"Dance of the Snowflakes", "Waltz of the Flowers" and "Divertissement of Toys" are well known to the modern audience, and the recreated legendary "Adagio with a scarf" will be performed more than a hundred years later.

The ballet will be performed at the main stage of an old mansion of the XIX century, in a chamber concert hall. The dream of the girl Masha, inspired on Christmas night by the kind sorcerer Drosselmeyer, blurs the boundaries between reality and the world of fantasy. Her holiday gift, the Nutcracker doll, magically transforms into a handsome Prince who can awaken the first timid feelings in Masha's heart.

Almost every one of us is familiar with the plot of Ernst Theodor Hoffmann's fairy tale from early childhood. It's Christmas Eve in Edwardian London. Clara and her mother are shopping at Drosselmeyer’s Sweets & Delights Emporium where she meets an enchanted Nutcracker doll. They take home liquorice all-sorts, nougat, marzipan and of course, sugarplums, to delight their party guests. As music and laughter fill the house, Clara has a magical sugar plum vision, sparking an adventure in which she bravely defends her home from the Rat King before discovering a dazzling ice realm and its Queen. Step out of the ordinary and follow Clara as she travels to the Land of Sweets & Delights where the Sugar Plum Fairy has arranged a grand celebration in her honour.

Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Choreography: Mikhail Venshchikov
Direction: Alexander Kashpurin (Music Conductor)
Cast: Orchestra "Infinitum"