Ballets bring the festive season to life around the island

What is Christmas without a heart-warming ballet? Some stories, such as The Nutcracker, have become Christmas classics and this December – amid measures and pandemic protocols – three ballets are coming to theatres around the island.

Kickstarting the performances is Tchaikovsky’s world-famous tale about a wooden toy coming to life while young Klara has to deal with mice and an army of gingerbread soldiers on Christmas Eve. The Nutcracker is a popular ballet during the holiday period and the Moscow State Theatre Russian Ballet is performing its rendition in Cyprus for the first time.

The two-act ballet will first be presented at Markideio Theatre, Paphos on December 9, before travelling to the Nicosia Municipal Theatre on December 11 and Pattihio Theatre on December 12. The Limassol show is already sold out but a few more tickets remain for the other performances, available from www.soldoutticketbox.com.

On the same days, another popular ballet by Tchaikovsky is arriving, bringing the enchanting melodies of Swan Lake. This is another performance by the Moscow State Theatre Russian Ballet as the company is on its 35^th-anniversary tour with Principal Bolshoi Theatre dancer Denis Rodkin. December 10 at Markideio Theatre will be the first performance of Swan Lake. The following day, the ballet will move to Nicosia’s Municipal Theatre and finally head to Pattihio Theatre on December 12 with all shows starting at 8pm.

Later on in the month it will be time for a local production of another classical ballet. The Nicosia Youth Ballet will present three shows of Sleeping Beauty, dancing to live music performed by the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra. This is again another masterpiece by Tchaikovsky with an original storyline by Ivan Vsevolozhsky, adored by old and young around the world. This December 17, 18, 19 and 20, young talented musicians and dancers from Cyprus will put on a special show for Nicosia audiences.

The Nutcracker

Tchaikovsky’s ballet performed by the Moscow State Theatre Russian Ballet. December 9. Markideio Theatre, Paphos (7.30pm). December 11. Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Nicosia (3pm). December 12. Pattihio Theatre, Limassol (3pm). www.soldoutticketbox.com

Swan Lake

Tchaikovsky’s ballet performed by the Moscow State Theatre Russian Ballet. December 10. Markideio Theatre, Paphos. December 11. Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. December 12. Pattihio Theatre, Limassol. 7pm. www.soldoutticketbox.com

Sleeping Beauty

Performance by the Nicosia Youth Ballet with music by the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra. December 17-20. Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. 7pm. www.tickethour.com.cy