This winter season, Pyotr Tchaikovsky's ballet "The Nutcracker" was performed on three leading stages in Kazakhstan, confirming its status as a key New Year's classic. In total, the theaters presented no fewer than 47 performances, with audiences reaching over 40,000 spectators.

Tchaikovsky's musical masterpiece unfolds in its own unique way at each theater—and it is this artistic polyphony that shapes the overall season: the classic remains recognizable, but the stage language, movement, and visual world change, offering audiences different emotional nuances.

For example, at the Astana Opera, audiences are presented with Yuri Grigorovich's production of "The Nutcracker." The visual expressiveness of the production is enhanced by Simon Virsaladze's artistic design: the expansive set design and costumes create the effect of a genuine theatrical extravaganza and a festive fairy tale. At another Moscow venue, the Astana Ballet Theatre, "The Nutcracker" is being performed in Vasily Vainonen's version, choreographed by Altynai Asylmuratova. This version is perceived as a classic canon, emphasizing clarity of plot, lightness of dance, and a recognizable "Christmas" intonation—relatable to family audiences and young viewers.

At the Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Abay, "The Nutcracker" remains one of the most anticipated performances of the season. The ballet has been in the repertoire for many years: historically, it was performed in Vainonen's version, and a revamped production was presented in 2015. This stage version combines classical foundations with contemporary theatrical expression. There, "The Nutcracker" becomes an annual part of the city's cultural calendar.