We are all very much looking forward to tonight's premiere and are excited to see how you - our audience – will like The Nutcracker.

Photos: Roman Novitzky

Tomorrow is the day: The Nutcracker will finally have its premiere. Today we pass by the make-up department where the dancers get their make-up and hair done for the last stage rehearsals.

Photos: Roman Novitzky

To get you all in the Nutcracker mood, today we invite you to take a walk through the corridors of the Opera House. As the premiere is getting noticeably closer, costumes and props for the ballet can be found on almost every corner of the opera house.

Photos: Roman Novitzky

In her toy collection Clara has not only dolls, harlequins, butterflies and the Nutcracker, but also toreros. Seen here are Martino Semenzato, Fabio Adorisio and Timoor Afshar.

Photos: Roman Novitzky

Today we take a peek at a rehearsal for one of the first scenes of the second act. Included in this rehearsal are Clara, Drosselmeyer, butterflies and Fritz and his friends.

Photos: Roman Novitzky

Legendary designer Jürgen Rose has been creating sets and costumes for the Stuttgart Ballet for 60 years. As was to be expected, he has worked his magic again for The Nutcracker. Some detailed insights into the costumes can be found here.

Photos: Roman Novitzky

Students of the John Cranko School are also on stage for The Nutcracker. Choreographer Edward Clug has of course also taken time for the youngest dancers and created a special choreography just for them.

Photos: Roman Novitzky

The final touches are being made to the sets and props in our workshops. Plates and toys are being painted and final color adjustments are being made to props such as the butterfly nets.

Photos: Roman Novitzky