[November 21 (Fri) 6:30 PM Ballet The Nutcracker]
Running Time: 88 minutes

The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (Director Haedon Lee) announced that, in partnership with the Seoul Arts Center (SAC), it will present the final work of the Liberation Day 80th Anniversary Performing Arts Content Screening SAC Series with a screening of the National Ballet of Korea’s The Nutcracker on Friday, November 21, at Ari Hall on the Center’s 3rd floor.

This year’s featured film is the celebrated choreography by Yuri Grigorovich known as the “living legend” who led the Bolshoi Ballet for 33 years. His 1966 version, premiered at the Bolshoi Theatre, is renowned for its grand and spectacular staging, demanding choreography, and engaging storyline that invites audiences of all ages into a magical fairytale world. The work, co-produced by the Seoul Arts Center and the National Ballet of Korea, has been a long-standing bestseller, maintaining a 13-year full-house record since its premiere at the SAC Opera House in 2000. This screening brings that legacy to the screen.

The Nutcracker offers an array of delights for audiences of all ages. In Act I, charming characters and dolls beloved by children come to life, while Act II presents a series of national dances performed by dolls from different countries celebrating the wedding of the Prince and Marie. Musically, Tchaikovsky’s brilliant orchestration shines throughout the work. He heightens the winter atmosphere with a chorus in the “Waltz of the Snowflakes,” and introduces the newly invented celesta brought directly from Franceto create the shimmering sound of the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” Each national dance is vividly expressed through distinctive musical colors, such as the lively Chinese dance highlighted by the piccolo and the bold Russian dance driven by strings and winds. The diversity of waltzes, including the “Waltz of the Flowers” and “Waltz of the Snow,” evokes the joy of being invited to a Costume Party.

Before the screening, a special talk will be held to enhance audience understanding and enjoyment. Stephanie Kim, a Korean American ballerina from Los Angeles, will introduce the story of The Nutcracker and offer insights into the ballet genre. The talk begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the screening at 7:00 p.m.

Presented annually around the world each December, The Nutcracker is an ideal family-friendly program, and this screening offers audiences the rare chance to experience the National Ballet of Korea’s world-class performance on screen. This year’s event will also feature a Costume Party theme, inviting attendees to dress as characters from the performance or in attire that reflects the winter season. All guests who participate in costume will receive a special gift prepared by the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles.