But students wanted to dance the classic and after much research into the original Tchaikovsky story, Rosenberg said she designed a version of the production that speaks to the intent of the composer and offers much more depth for many of the characters.

Although it is believed that technically the team work well together and that the composer appreciated the famous choreographer’s work, there were issues over transforming Tchaikovsky’s complicated score for the stage.

The Story

Hoffman’s original work showed the dark side of human nature and was definitely not appropriate for children. But it was the performance accompanying Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers" in Act II that received the biggest applause of the night, as dancers donned in beautiful pink, sparkling dresses drifted across the stage in total unison – not a step out of place. The Snow Fairy leapt onto the stage of the Birmingham Hippodrome

The full ballet was unknown in the West until a production was staged at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London, on 30th January 1934, with Alicia Markova and Stanley Judson (followed in 1937 by Margot Fonteyn and Robert Helpmann). Since 1944 it has become a universal favourite, especially at Christmas time. Interest in the ballet was created by the concert suite that the composer himself arranged from the ballet score and which was performed some nine months before the stage production. Why this happened remains a mystery, unless Tchaikovsky was afraid other composers might find out about his ‘secret instrument’ which he had specially brought from Paris: the tinkling celesta, its bell-like sound forever to be associated with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Another favourite moment of mine in Act II was the Russian Dance, brought to life by Louis Andreasen, Ryan Felix and Callum Findlay White. Natalie Turner joins the cast as Mrs Stahlbaum, and Sarah-Faith Brown brings a sparkle of magic as the Sugar Plum Fairy, all having starred in Christmas shows and musicals across the UK. The dynamic duo will victoriously fight the evil Mouse Queen and her minions to then journey through the Land of Sweets encountering characters from a myriad of countries including the novel, patriotic American! You won’t want to miss this incredible show and fundraiser.Drosselmeyer is based on the character of the same name from the original story by E. T. A. Hoffmann and the ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The story had been freely adapted into French by Alexandre Dumas and it was from this version that Vsevolozhskiy and Petipa mapped out a ballet scenario, the latter giving detailed specifications, as was the case for Sleeping Beauty. The company is the resident ballet of Anaheim and it offers outreach programs in the community, including Step Up!, an after-school community program that teaches dance but also lessons for life, Rosenberg said, adding the company’s slogan is “Anaheim Ballet, more than dance.” This energetic trio were loud – both in their movement and costume – creating the ideal contrast to the more delicate performances we had seen so far. Providing the malevolent edge this year is Neil Jennings, who’s professional career has included The Gruffalo alongside Shakespeare classics. His delicious take on the Mouse King will be one to be savoured.