Unique Christmas Gifts for Ballet Lovers

Only 15 Days Until Christmas – Still Plenty of Time to Plan!

Watch The NUTCRACKER – the most famous Christmas Ballet! 

One of the most magical gifts you can give is the experience of a live performance. Treat your loved one to tickets to The Nutcracker or Swan Lake, paired with a glass of champagne to toast the evening. The thrill of seeing ballet on stage is unforgettable and makes for a truly special holiday memory.

For a more budget-friendly option, consider gifting tickets to a ballet cinema screening. The Royal Ballet’s incredible cinema programme brings breathtaking performances to screens worldwide, allowing ballet lovers to enjoy world-class productions without the travel expense.Link to the Royal Ballet Cinema  https://www.rbo.org.uk/about/cinema-2425

If you’re planning a more intimate celebration, invite your ballet-loving friend to a cozy night in. Stream The Nutcracker on YouTube in full length, have some Christmas cookies, and enjoy the timeless beauty of this Christmas classic from the comfort of home.

THE NUTCRACKER – my suggestions
Sergei Polunin & Natalia Osipova https://youtu.be/3_HjBqVq_Lk?si=soHwy_lD7RCIC_2K
New York City Ballet https://youtu.be/ya4DasxL47g?si=wm1ACuHYoB4YvFEy

Mariinsky Theater https://youtu.be/xtLoaMfinbU?si=5pLJLe8qi-zrBNsS

Christmas ormaments

One of my favorite things is hunting for ballet-themed ornaments or ballet inspired jewelry at Christmas markets. A tiny pointe shoe or sparkling ballerina for the tree feels like bringing a bit of the stage home.

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Ballet cookie cutters are another fun idea. I’ve made cookies shaped like pointe shoes and tutus—they’re so easy to decorate and make a sweet, personal gift.

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Personalized presents are always a winner too. A monogrammed journal, a custom photo book, or a framed poster of their favorite ballet shows how much you care.

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Why I love MINUS 16

Now at Deutsche Oper Berlin and St. Galler Theater

Ohad Naharin’s Minus 16 is a celebration of everything I adore about dance—its energy, humor, and raw joy. Originally created in 1999, this masterpiece feels timeless, as though it reinvents itself with each performance.

Set to an eclectic soundtrack that ranges from mambo to Dean Martin, techno, and traditional Israeli tunes, the music itself is a journey. But the real magic lies in the movement—a seamless blend of precision, emotion, and playfulness. The dancers bring an unparalleled dynamic quality, captivating the audience with every gesture and step.

“The volume, the dynamics, the humor, the sentiment—it makes the work available.”

Ohad Nahrain

And it does—welcoming everyone to share in the magic. If you love dance, Minus 16 is a must-see.

Rehearsal MINUS 16 at Staasballett Berlin

Link Staatsballett Berlin: https://www.staatsballett-berlin.de/en/spielplan/event-detail/stid/minus-16-en/145.html#a_303

Link Theater St. Gallen: https://www.konzertundtheater.ch/programm/a-z/moved/

Insight MINUS 16

Interview with Ohad Nahrain

Learn about Gaga – what is it?

“What is Gaga?” This question cannot be answered simply with a few words. Choreographer and Artistic Director of Batsheva Dance Company, Ohad Naharin, began discovering Gaga out of his curiosity to explore our body’s availability and capacity for unique movement. Naharin claims that Gaga gives talented dancers a toolbox to “discover their hidden treasures.” 

Header Image: Ensemble Staatsballett Berlin © by Admill Kuyler

Who Are The Most Popular Choreographers Today?

Ask ChatGPT about contemporary ballet

I started googling about this topic months ago but couldn’t decide. There are so many amazing young and upcoming choreographers around. So I asked ChatGPT to help me.

What do you think of this list? Who is missing?

ChatGPT replied:

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Homage to Ballet 2024: Ein Highlight für Ballettfans

A Night with the Stars im Theater 11 mit Rahmenprogramm

Auch die 3. Ausgabe der Homage to Ballet bietet ein abwechslungsreiches Programm aus klassischen und zeitgenössischen Stücken, präsentiert von internationalen Gaststars aus renommierten Ballettkompanien. Ein Ballett-Highlight in Zürich, auf das ich mich sehr freue.

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Cathy Marston’s neues Ballett: CLARA Schumann im Fokus

Here is a first peak into our preparations for the upcoming premiere of CLARA!
Cathy Marstons new creation based on the life of Clara Schumann. (Facebook)

Sensationeller Saisonstart am 11. Oktober 2024 im Opernhaus Zürich 

Nach ihrem Ballett «The Cellist» widmet sich die Ballettdirektorin Cathy Marston erneut der Biografie einer berühmten Musikerin:

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Embodying the Divine: Ani Palaus’s Stunning Portrayal of Kali

Video and Interview: From Channeling Kali’s Power to Captivating Audience – A Personal Journey in Belly Dance

Have you heard of Kali, the fierce Hindu goddess of destruction? You’ve got to see Ani Palaus’s incredible portrayal of this powerful figure in her latest video—it’s absolutely mesmerizing!

„This was a one of a kind experience for me and nothing like I had ever done before.“ Ani Palaus

I had the pleasure of interviewing Ani, where we dove into her thrilling journey in belly dancing. We chatted about her dynamic dance career, and she shared some exciting stories about her professional gigs at private events and corporate parties. Don’t miss out on this fascinating conversation!

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Musical Highlight 2024: MARY POPPINS kommt in die Schweiz

Disney Neuinszenierung auf der Thuner Seebühne

Meine Freundin aus Berlin reist extra an, damit wir gemeinsam Mary Poppins vor der atemberaubenden Kulisse von Eiger, Mönch und Jungfrau erleben können – ich freue mich riesig darauf!

MARY POPPINS, das berühmteste Kindermädchen der Welt, spielt vom 10. Juli bis 24. August 2024 auf der Thuner Seebühne. Das international erfolgreiche Musical von Cameron Mackintosh und Disney wird von den Thunerseespielen in neuem Gewand präsentiert – als erste Veranstalterin der Schweiz.

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20 Jahre Staatsballett Berlin

JUBILÄUMSGALA AM 7. JULI

Ich kann mich noch gut erinnern, wie 2004 unter der Intendanz von Vladimir Malakhov aus den drei unabhängigen Ballettkompanien das Staatsballett Berlin entstand. Nach der Gründung wurde die größte Kompanie in Deutschland mit über 90 Tänzerinnen und Tänzern schnell zu einer der besten Ballettkompanien der Welt.

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Celebrating the Versatility of Dance

Unveiling the Nominees for the #NDA24

The National Dance Awards (NDAs) are an annual celebration of dance excellence in the UK. When I saw the nominees about the remarkable diversity across the dance sector which were picked out by the Dance Section of the Critics‘ Circle. It’s impressive how many companies represent different genres like Flamenco, South Asian dance, musical theatre, ballet and contemporary dance. I want to share this list to give you an insight of the present dance scene.

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Nicht verpassen: Steps 2024

Zeitgenössischer Tanz pur!

Noch bis zum 19. Mai 2024 sind im Rahmen der 19. Ausgabe des Migros-Kulturprozent Tanzfestivals Steps zehn Highlights aus dem aktuellen Tanzgeschehen in der Schweiz zu Gast. Neun Compagnien aus dem In- und Ausland bespielen insgesamt 36 Bühnen und bringen den Zauber des zeitgenössischen Tanzes in alle Landesteile. 

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