Experience the wonder of New York City Ballet's iconic holiday classic on the big screen. In George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky's beloved melodies transport the young and young at heart to a magical world where mischievious mice besiege a battalion of toy soldiers, and an onstage blizzard leads to an enchanted Land of Sweets. Balanchine's stunning choreography shines amidst awe-inspiring set pieces, ornate costumes, and grand one-of-a-kind visual effects, like the one-ton Christmas tree that grows to an astonishing 40 feet. The New York City Ballet's beloved production has been performed in New York City every year since its premiere on February 2, 1954, and is seen live by more than 100,000 people annually.
Practical Effects
One-ton mechanical tree that grows to 40 feet — CGI wishes.
Costume
Marie Sharpe's original 1954 designs, still dripping sugar.
Score
Tchaikovsky's earworms you'll hum until March.
Director
Alan Skog
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Balanchine himself played the Prince in 1919 St. Petersburg — he was 15 and already obsessed with making Clara's dream feel real.
This 1954 production basically invented the American Nutcracker tradition; before Balanchine, it barely existed here. You're watching the template.
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