The World Ballet Company is brightening up the Christmas season as its production of The Nutcracker comes to theaters across the United States. Audiences and theater fans know this classic holiday story, but they haven’t seen it quite like this. And most importantly, they don’t have to know anything about ballet to enjoy it.

As their name indicates, the World Ballet Company features more than three dozen international artists who bring their version of The Nutcracker to life. This production includes vibrant hand-painted sets and more than 150 hand-sewn costumes, providing an extra level of care and detail to this timeless story. But there isn’t a note-for-note adherence to Tchaikovsky’s source material; the WBC makes an effort to create a universal experience that appeals to more than just ballet enthusiasts.

“Our goal is to make ballet accessible without compromising its artistry,” company director Sasha Gorskaya said in a press release. “We created this Nutcracker for everyone—from families seeing ballet for the first time to audiences who have loved it all their lives. It’s a world-class experience that celebrates joy, imagination, and togetherness.”

The World Ballet Company has a history of updating stories for old and new audiences alike. Aside from traditional ballets like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, their other productions include a fresh take on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel The Great Gatsby. The company tours in over 100 cities every year, with the aim of providing ballet to all audiences, even if they’ve never seen a show before. Their performances of The Nutcracker are a chance to experience this underrated art form and celebrate the holiday season in style.

For tickets to The Nutcracker, tour dates and more about the World Ballet Company, visit their website. Photo Credit: Jeff Somers/Courtesy of World Ballet Company.

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