The Nutcracker — World Ballet Stars. 29 and 30 December 2026, Abay Opera and Ballet Theatre, Almaty
29–30 December
13:00 / 19:00
6+
The Magic of Christmas
Step into a world of Christmas wonder with the timeless music of P. I. Tchaikovsky and the beloved story of Clara, the Nutcracker and their magical journey into a land of dreams.
For the first time in a special festive format — The Nutcracker danced by stars of world ballet. The virtuosity, beauty and energy of outstanding artists of the international stage will give audiences an unforgettable evening of magic and true artistry.
A performance that restores your belief in wonder.
Date
29 and 30 December
Curtain
13:00 and 19:00
Venue
Abay Opera and Ballet Theatre
110 Kabanbay Batyr St, Almaty
Guest artists
The first names have been announced. The rest of the cast is to be confirmed.
Tatyjana Melnyik
Principal · Clara
Hungarian National Ballet · Étoile 2019/20 and 2023/24
Tatyjana Melnyik
Principal · Clara
With the Hungarian State Opera since
2015
Training
Perm Ballet Academy (2006)
Competitions
International Ballet Competition, Moscow — 2nd prize (2013)
'Arabesque' International Ballet Competition — 3rd prize (2012)
'Arabesque' International Ballet Competition — 3rd prize (2012)
Awards
Étoile of the Hungarian National Ballet (2019/20, 2023/24)
Gold Cross of Merit (2021)
Best Female Dance Artist of the Season (2016, 2019)
Gold Cross of Merit (2021)
Best Female Dance Artist of the Season (2016, 2019)
Before Budapest
Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Music Theatre — soloist (2013–2015)
Russian State Ballet under V. M. Gordeev (2006–2013)
Russian State Ballet under V. M. Gordeev (2006–2013)
Roles
Odette/Odile (Swan Lake), Princess Maria (The Nutcracker), Princess Aurora (The Sleeping Beauty), Kitri (Don Quixote), Giselle, Cinderella, Manon, Princess Stephanie (Mayerling), the Snow Maiden, Nikiya (La Bayadère), Lise (La fille mal gardée), Tatiana (Onegin), Paquita, Juliet (Romeo and Juliet), Trois Gnossiennes, Black Cake, Études, Petite Mort
Motomi Kiyota
First soloist · Nutcracker Prince
Hungarian National Ballet · Étoile 2026/27
Motomi Kiyota
First soloist · Nutcracker Prince
With the Hungarian State Opera since
2019
Training
John Cranko Schule, Stuttgart (2016–2019)
Mitsuko Inao Ballet School, Japan (2003–2016)
Mitsuko Inao Ballet School, Japan (2003–2016)
Awards
Étoile of the Hungarian National Ballet (2026/27)
Hungarian Dance Association — Best male dancer, classical ballet (2026)
Chamber Artist of the Hungarian National Ballet (2024/25)
Best corps de ballet artist of the season (2022/23)
Hungarian Dance Association — Best male dancer, classical ballet (2026)
Chamber Artist of the Hungarian National Ballet (2024/25)
Best corps de ballet artist of the season (2022/23)
Roles
Basil (Don Quixote), the Nutcracker Prince, Russian and Chinese dances (The Nutcracker), Bratfisch (Mayerling), the Father (The Pygmalion Effect), Gad (Spartacus), the Clown (Romeo and Juliet), pas de six (Swan Lake), The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, Sad Case, Episode 31, Six Dances
Artist photos: Nagy Attila, Kummer János · Hungarian State Opera
Gallery
Scenes from the Hungarian National Ballet production. Tap a photo to see it in full.
Photos: Berecz Valter · Hungarian National Ballet
Programme
2 h 20 min
18:15
Doors open, Christmas foyer and live quartet
Act I
19:00 · 55 minutes
1Overture. Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum house
2March and children’s galop. Drosselmeyer arrives
3Clara’s gift — the Nutcracker. Dance of the mechanical dolls
4Midnight. Battle with the Mouse King’s army
5The Nutcracker transformed. Waltz of the Snowflakes
Interval
20 minutes · refreshments and photo corner
Act II
20:15 · 50 minutes
6Journey to the Land of Sweets. Meeting the Sugar Plum Fairy
7Divertissement: Chocolate, Coffee, Tea, Trepak, Pastorale
8Dance of Mother Gigogne. Waltz of the Flowers
9Grand pas de deux of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Prince — the guest stars
10Final waltz and apotheosis. Clara returns home
Timings are for the 19:00 performance. The 13:00 matinée follows the same order. The programme is subject to change.