John Neumeier's version of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker presents the ballet as a coming-of-age story. The focus is on Marie, who is introduced by ballet master Drosselmeier to the world of theater. Neumeier combines classic Petipa quotations with autobiographical elements, creating a poetic work about artistic awakening – a modern classic since its premiere in 1971.

EPSG:4326

The Nutcracker

Festspielhaus Baden-Baden

It has become a tradition for ballet companies all over the world to perform Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker" at Christmas time. John Neumeier's version of "The Nutcracker", however, avoids direct reference to Christmas. In his ballet, the central character Marie celebrates her twelfth birthday and is drawn by the mysterious ballet master Drosselmeier into the fascinating world of dance. It is, in fact, a ballet about ballet itself.

Hamburg Ballett

9 - 11 Oct, 2026

The Nutcracker

Dec 21, 2025 - Jan 6, 2026

The Nutcracker

Hamburg Ballett