Gala Fracci

Birmingham Royal Ballet soloist Sofia Liñares talks about the joys and fears of dancing multiple roles and performances of Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker.

A message of fondness to all Nutcracker lovers: the music still works its magic, even after hundreds of performances. 

Have you ever wondered what goes on backstage during The Nutcracker? 

The Sleeping Beauty is perhaps the Ugly Duckling of Tchaikovsky’s three ballets. It was the second in the trilogy, completed in 1889, but has neither the dramatic thrust of Swan Lake nor the calorific sugar-coated charm of The Nutcracker in terms of popular appeal. 

Along with chestnuts, turkey and Carols from King's, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without The Nutcracker. It has become a staple part of the festive season.