The Nutcracker - A Hong Kong Adventure. Photo: Courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet

A new production of world-renowned ballet classic The Nutcracker - A Hong Kong Adventure with its community outreach activities won the Star of Outstanding Award at UNESCO's 2024 Global Awards for World Heritage Education Innovative Cases, making contribution in encouraging locals to have a deeper appreciation of their heritage and culture.

Filled with lively dancing, sparkling sets and costumes and Tchaikovsky's timeless music, this new production directed by Septime Webre is filled with Hong Kong cultural elements and landmarks.

The Nutcracker follows Clara, Fritz and the Nutcracker Prince as they embark on a magical adventure through a snowy bamboo forest, battle the villainous Rat King and encounter a host of whimsical characters, including blossoming bauhinias, playful peacocks and dancing dim sum that celebrate Hong Kong's rich cultural tapestry. 

Additionally, in the opening scene 21 paintings from the Hong Kong Museum of Art are prominently displayed in a glamorous ballroom where Clara's family is hosting a Christmas Eve party.

Related community outreach activities notably included a ballet workshop that taught participants simple choreography from the festive production and showcased original costumes used in the show. 

This was followed by a special field trip for seniors and underserved families to unique Hong Kong heritage sites featured in Hong Kong Ballet's (HKB) The Nutcracker, like Kom Tong Hall and the former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower. 

"HKB's artistic team, all its staff and its board of governors warmly thank the judging panel for acknowledging the work of our dedicated team both on and off the stage. It's been an incredible journey so far, and we are just getting started!" Heidi Lee, the Executive Director of  Hong Kong Ballet said.

The Nutcracker will continue creating inspiring works that promote our beloved city by reaching a larger audience overseas and online. The ballet will return to Hong Kong Cultural Centre's Grand Theatre this December for three weeks of lively, festive performances for audiences of all ages.