Ring in the holiday season with The Nutcracker. IBT's classical production features brilliant costumes and sets from Ukraine and principal dancers from Russia. Passed down through generations for more than a century, The Nutcracker ballet preserves the classical artistry first created by Tchaikovsky and Petipa in St. Petersburg in 1892. IBT performs The Nutcracker ballet in its traditional Russian style with extraordinarily beautiful costumes and tremendous pageantry, including exotic Arabian dancers, a fierce battle scene with lifelike cavalry, soldiers and mice, elegant corps de ballet snowflakes, and of course the beautiful ballerina, Clara, and her handsome prince. 

"If you're looking for a classical, traditional Nutcracker this season, International Ballet Theatre delivers with a production that draws on the style and choreography of the original Russian ballet, first presented in St. Petersburg in 1892 ... The dancers' overall quality is high, with guest principals from the Kirov Ballet in Russia ... My daughter and her friend loved when Drosselmeyer hungs from the sky in an oversized blue Christmas ornament to cast his magic over Clara with a lighted, jeweled scepter ... the costumes for “Waltz of the Flowers” seem to come straight from a little girl's ballet dream ..." -Lynn Schnaiberg, Seattle's Child

“Beautifull costumes and dancers. Awesome performance. I am Russian myself (from St-Petersburg) and grew up with the ballet and theater as a kid, so I know what it should look like. I took my 9 year old daughter to the show and she loved every bit of it. We definitely recommend this one.” - Natalia

 “This was my first time seeing The Nutcracker. The performance was great, costumes were beautiful, and I really enjoyed the entire show! Highly recommend this theatre! It is small and intimate…”  –Geri

“The costumes, stage and dancing were amazing.” –Joanna

"This classical Nutcracker performance in Bellevue's Meydenbauer Center is absolutely stunning! .The brilliant array of colorful custom costumes (handmade in Ukraine) and set design is totally incredible. IBT's traditional Russian production features two professional dancers from St. Petersburg. ... This is one a child will remember!"  - Bob Yoder, Redmond Blog

“We completely enjoyed the entire performance; loved the smaller theater, costumes were excellent, dancers were incredible. I will go again instead of the PNB with their high prices and limited matinee times.” –the Ruggs

 “It was a beautiful performance and the set design was awesome!” – Hae Sue

“Wonderful performance, very true to the original Russian production! My 6 year old daughter loved every moment of it, and so did I!” –Katya

 “Our two daughters, 6 & 7, were at the edge of their seats. My husband couldn't stop talking about it for days! The costumes come from the Ukraine. Along with the sets and props it was all so rich and engaging. The Artistic Director is from Russia and this production strives to be as close to the original as possible. The dancers were so talented, much more intricate and artful choreography than other productions we have seen. It was magical. Consider this a gourmet version versus fast food for other productions! My husband says he is convinced he could never find a better production.”
 –P.J.