Artists perform the ballet "The Nutcracker" at the Hồ Gươm Opera House on March 25. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Artists from the Russian State Ballet joined the Hà Nội Symphony Orchestra for the first time in a performance of the classic ballet The Nutcracker at the Hồ Gươm Opera House on March 25, offering local audiences a rich artistic experience steeped in Russian classical tradition.

From the opening scenes, the auditorium was transformed into a fairytale world, enhanced by elaborate staging and the timeless music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, including Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Waltz of the Flowers. Technically demanding sequences such as leaps and pas de deux captivated the audience with their precision, harmony, and expressive coordination.

Many spectators said the performance went beyond simple enjoyment, drawing them into a dreamlike journey alongside the characters. Adapted from E. T. A. Hoffmann’s fairy tale, the ballet follows a child’s magical adventure from a Christmas Eve setting to a fantastical kingdom, and remains one of the most frequently staged works worldwide.

In this production, the Russian troupe brought to life the hallmarks of its classical school through structured choreography, lavish costumes and refined technique. Accompanied live by the Hà Nội Symphony Orchestra, the performance delivered a seamless blend of music and movement, appealing to both visual and auditory senses.

A representative of the Hồ Gươm Opera House said the company continues its run with Romeo and Juliet on March 26 and 27, featuring music by Sergei Prokofiev and choreography that highlights the drama of William Shakespeare’s tragic love story.

Founded in 1981, the Russian State Ballet is a leading troupe known for its strong classical technique and expressive style. The company has toured more than 40 countries and territories, presenting renowned works such as The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, and Romeo and Juliet, helping bring Russian ballet closer to global audiences.

Its return to Hà Nội, following the success of Swan Lake last year, continues to affirm the enduring appeal of Russian ballet in Việt Nam while contributing to cultural exchange between the two countries. — VNA/VNS