The Nutcracker – Moscow City Ballet

The talented Moscow City Ballet dancers brought this classic winter treat to life with style: Alevtina Lapshina was particularly charming as protagonist Clara, her expressive eyes alight with excitement.

Elizaveta Dvorkina and Natalya Povago designed traditional costumes: the elegant corps de ballet shimmered across the stage first in powder blue, then in pompom-covered rose pink with the Sugar Plum Fairy, while the Mouse King wore a menacing, many-headed mask.

However, wobbly follow spots meant the dancers weren’t always well lit, and Igor Shavruk conducted the Moscow City Ballet Orchestra cautiously, not making the most of the variety and beauty of the music.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 12 February 2012

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