I’m a huge ballet fan, and I have two children currently taking dance classes with a local ballet school and they are becoming familiar with the classics of ballet. One of my top favourites is The Nutcracker. It’s a perfect mix of dance and music and it’s one I am keen for my children to learn to enjoy. They are already familiar with some of the music, and scenes, from what they have learned at their own dance lessons.
Being able to take them to see a production of The Nutcracker on Ice performed by the Imperial Ice Stars was the perfect opportunity to introduce them to the delights of this production in a fun way. Watching ice skating is always fun and adding the classic music from of a much loved dance score by Tchaikovsky and you have a fabulous combination to enjoy. Not only that but it meant a trip up to the beautiful Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, in London.
“Specially created for Winter Wonderland, this one-hour version of the Christmas classic will be performed in a magnificent new indoor venue – The Winter Palace Theatre. Showcasing jaw-dropping skating, sumptuous projected scenery, lavish costumes, spectacular flying sequences, acrobatics, fire and illusions, The Nutcracker on Ice is a thrilling theatrical experience that will enchant all ages.”
We had a thoroughly enjoyable time and it’s the perfect length for children (and adults) to enjoy which makes it idea as a Christmas treat for the whole family but also a good way to introduce children to the delights of the classics. The Imperial Ice dancers were very talented and gave a very impressive performance and my children basically “oohed” and “aahed” all the way through the performance and were kept enthralled. As were the adults. We clapped along and didn’t even notice the time flying buy to the end. It has all the classic scenes and dancers from The Nutcracker performed with much skill and talent on ice. Lots of graceful acrobatics and twists and jumps and even “real fire” as my son excitedly pointed out in one scene… (I won’t give too much away, you need to go and see enjoy for yourself!)
It was a fantastic experience and we would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a pre Christmas treat for the family or for anyone who loves watching ice skating and loves all things Christmassy.
Then of course you can go and enjoy the magic of the Winter Wonderland afterwards to top your visit off with rides, food stalls, Christmas markets and even take to the ice yourself on the ice rink. It’s a perfect visit to get into the Christmas mood…
SEE Nutcracker on Ice here: podcats.co.uk/nutcracker
www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
*I am a member of the Mumsnet Bloggers Panel, a group of parent bloggers who have volunteered to review products, services, events and brands for Mumsnet. I have not paid for the product or to attend an event. I have editorial control and retain full editorial integrity*