The Nutcracker returns to the Nice Opera for the first time in many years. For this new production, the renowned Benjamin Millepied offers his own bold and personal vision of this ballet.
Twenty years ago, Benjamin Millepied created his first major ballet, The Nutcracker, for the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève. This version blended academic vocabulary with an imaginative freedom, nurtured by his years as a dancer with the New York City Ballet. He revisits this story with a distinct choreographic language and a new sense of invention. For this production, he collaborates with the renowned painter Paul Cox, whose sets and costumes bring a fairytale fantasy imbued with childhood. The story remains: on Christmas Eve, Clara falls asleep among her toys and dreams of a nutcracker that transforms into a prince. Millepied emphasizes musicality and rhythm, allowing the choreography to transcend the score. Tchaikovsky's music, performed by the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra, anchors this vibrant reinterpretation of a timeless ballet, conceived for a new generation.
Co-production Opéra Nice Côte d'Azur, The Grace Company
Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Musical direction by Daniel Gil
Choreography by Benjamin Millepied
Assistant choreographer Bruno Roy
Set and costume design by Paul Cox
Lighting design by Lucy Carter
Ballet of the Opéra Nice Côte d'Azur
Nice Philharmonic Orchestra
Chorus of the Opéra de Nice
Co-production Opéra Nice Côte d'Azur, The Grace Company
Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Musical direction by Daniel Gil
Choreography by Benjamin Millepied
Assistant choreographer Bruno Roy
Set and costume design by Paul Cox
Lighting design by Lucy Carter
Ballet of the Opéra Nice Côte d'Azur
Nice Philharmonic Orchestra
Chorus of the Opéra de Nice
Services offered
Quality standards
Quality standards
Famille plusOpening times
Opening times
From 17 December 2025 until 31 December 2025 - Open everyday
