The Nutcracker

A treasured holiday ballet, The Nutcracker follows Clara from a festive family gathering into a dreamlike world where her enchanted toy becomes a prince and battles the Mouse King. Set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s enduring score, the story unfolds through a sweeping journey from a snowy forest to the Kingdom of the Sweets, where dances include the Spanish “Chocolate,” the Russian “Trepak” and the Sugar Plum Fairy’s sparkling solo. Virginia National Ballet’s production brings together professional international dancers and VNB School students, with elaborate scenery, sets and costumes adding color to the ballet’s blend of theatrical adventure and classical dance.