The premiere is getting closer and closer. Last week, the set was built up on the stage in the opera house for the first time and the first stage rehearsals took place. An exciting moment for everyone!

Photos: Roman Novitzky

In her search for the Nutcracker, Clara encounters various creatures that help her - sometimes more, sometimes less. And what could be more fitting than squirrels playing with walnuts, hoarding them and fighting over them?

Photos: Roman Novitzky

Last week, our orchestra began rehearsing the music, so that the first rehearsals with orchestra can take place this week.

Photos: Roman Novitzky

Dragons, beetles, butterflies - to bring all these characters to life, not only costumes but also masks and head pieces are important. Today we take a quick look into the milliner’s department for a glimpse of these wonderful, tiny works of art.

Photos: Roman Novitzky

Today you will see a short glimpse into the rehearsals of the butterflies. So that the dancers get used to their wings it is important to include them directly in the process of creating the choreography.

Photos: Roman Novitzky

In order to get a feel for the set, it is important to consider the proportions of the stage. The rehearsal stage of the new John Cranko School is ideal for this as it is the same size as the opera house stage.

Photos: Roman Novitzky

Today we visit a rehearsal of the Harlequins. Choreographer Edward Clug uses ladders for this part of the choreography, on which the dancers hang, climb and dance.

Photos: Roman Novitzky

The role of Clara has several casts, and each of the dancers needs a costume tailored to her size. Here you can see two of our Claras, Principal Dancers Agnes Su and Anna Osadcenko trying on their Clara dresses.

Photos: Roman Novitzky

Today brings a glimpse into the rehearsals for the deer and the stag. The front hooves of the deer and stag are represented by crutches, which will, of course, be “in costume” on stage.

Photos: Roman Novitzky