Chongqing — Chongqing Grand Theatre welcomed a major international cultural event on the evening of Dec. 24 as the Tatar Musa Jalil State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan made its first appearance in the city with a performance of the classical ballet “The Nutcracker.”
Dancers perform during a production of “The Nutcracker” at Chongqing Grand Theatre. (Photo/Organizer)
The theater, with a history spanning more than 200 years, brought a full ensemble of 120 artists to Chongqing to present a large-scale production in a complete classical format. The performance featured 60 orchestra musicians and 60 dancers, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience classical ballet accompanied by a live symphony orchestra.
The Chongqing engagement runs through Dec. 26 and presents three renowned ballets from the classical repertoire. Following the opening performance of “The Nutcracker,” the Spanish-flavored classic “Don Quixote” is scheduled for Dec. 25, while “Swan Lake,” often described as a crown jewel of classical ballet, will conclude the series.
Shortly after 7:30 p.m., as the orchestra launched into the familiar overture of “The Nutcracker,” the audience was drawn into a fairy-tale world. Lavish costumes, refined stage design, and expressive choreography worked in harmony to bring iconic scenes to life, including the battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King and the magical journey through the Kingdom of Sweets. The presence of live orchestral music heightened the emotional intensity of the performance.
A defining feature of the production is its adherence to a full classical structure. The musicians’ live interpretation of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s score was closely synchronized with the dancers’ movements on stage. From delicate pointe work to sweeping ensemble passages, the performance showcased the performers’ strong technical foundation and expressive control.
A scene from “The Nutcracker” performed at the Chongqing Grand Theatre in Chongqing. (Photo/Organizer)
As Tchaikovsky’s music flowed through the theater, dancers moved with precision and fluidity, their breathing and rhythm closely aligned with the score. The integration of music and movement created an immersive artistic experience, transporting the audience into a vivid classical setting reminiscent of 19th-century European ballet traditions.
Warm applause and enthusiastic responses throughout the evening reflected the Chongqing audience’s strong interest in classical ballet. As the year draws to a close, the performances at Chongqing Grand Theatre offer local audiences an opportunity to experience enduring masterpieces of world ballet, bringing centuries-old artistic traditions to life on a contemporary stage in southwest China.