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National Ballet of Japan opened their 2024/25 season with Eagling’s The Sleeping Beauty. Haruka Sassa's Aurora, guesting from Staatsballett Berlin, and prima ballerina, Yui Yonezawa, debuting as the Lilac Fairy, were highly impressive. 

National Ballet of Japan’s Nutcracker by Wayne Eagling is a family favourite, with lead dancers Ayako Ono and Yudai Fukuoka giving a flawless performance as the leads. 

English National Ballet's current Nutcracker shows off the brilliance of the dancers across the ranks but after many years, the weaknesses in the plot and characterisation remain flawed.

A curate's egg of dance. 

Wayne Eagling's production for English National Ballet does not show any signs of waning popularity... audiences still want their yearly fix!

Despite excellent performances, time needs to be called on Wayne Eagling's Nutcracker. 

A complete roster of principal dancers appear in a gala full of the joys of spring. 

In the National Ballet of Japan's Sleeping Beauty, the fulfilment and joy of being able to dance was apparent in the whole company and the result was glorious. 

National Ballet of Japan's The Nutcracker and the Mouse King conquers the challenge of Wayne Eagling, a flawed but enjoyable production with high quality dancing

This Nutcracker is past its sell-by date although Tchaikovsky's evergreen score, beautifully interpreted, and elegant performances do their best to keep it fresh   

Wayne Eagling’s version for English National Ballet, however, risks confusing those new to ballet – and a few more experienced hands – thanks to muddled storytelling.  

There is much to like about the English National Ballet Nutcracker, but it could be so much more.

English National Ballet’s Nutcracker: a subdued but promising opening of the Christmas season, at the London Coliseum. 

English National Ballet has performed The Nutcracker every year since it was founded in 1950. The latest version, by former company artistic director Wayne Eagling, has a great deal of charm and a stunning leading couple. At the London Coliseum.