Composer: P.I. Tchaikovsky
Choreography: Nicole Perez, Katia Anishchenko, Eglė Špokaitė
Young Student Teacher: Tina Mtchedlidze
Stage Designer: Dainius Mačikėnas
Doll: Anna Hay
Snow Queen: Mya-Sylvia Chmel
Drosselmeyer: Haruki Fukase
2 Friends: Hikari Oda & Kaya Sherin
3 Friends: Sofia Cruz, Nethra Lakshmi Venkat, & Mila Maxwell
Girls: Laura Lu, Lily Qin
PLOT
It is Christmas Day— a time filled with expectations of magic and curiosity about hidden secrets. Today marks the Doll’s first performance. She has worked in isolation, dedicating herself tirelessly to perfecting each kiss, leg kick, and spin. Eager to see the world beyond her box, she is ready to share her art with others. The Master, too, is excited to witness the doll’s debut dance in public.
After the performance, the Master finds the doll deeply asleep, nestled in the embrace of her teddy bear. As always, there was excitement, joy, and even tears— emotions that come naturally when there are dancers and when there is dance. But as the doll sleeps, her mind is restless. She wonders why her dance— her kisses, spins, and leg kicks— was met with laughter or mockery. She ponders how a few moments of warm support during her brief moments of sadness gave her dance an unexpected sweetness and joy. How exhilarating it was to spin and move in harmony with others.
The Master leads the Doll back to her room-box, where she must continue practicing and perfecting her movements. Yet, the doll’s heart longs to step outside the box again to experience the world anew. In a moment of quiet defiance, she steps out.
The Ballerina: The Doll encounters the ballerina. Together, they will explore new steps and rhythms—some exciting, some challenging, and sometimes even frightening—as they learn and grow in their shared dance.
The Rebirth: The Doll’s stage box, once her entire world, is now too small. With newfound grace and confidence, the little ballerina steps into the vast world, ready to perform The Dance of the World of the Heart.
The Nutcracker: A heartfelt thank you to the Nutcracker, whose guidance has helped countless young dancers find their path and inspire them to reach their dreams.