Any true aficionado of the arts knows that the Christmas spirit isn’t properly kindled until you revisit a cherished classic. Whether you’re off to a carol concert or a spirited pantomime, the season is the perfect excuse to indulge—not just in Christmas Markets, but in allowing yourself to be utterly transported into a magical realm. In the dance world, The Nutcracker is the undisputed holiday fixture, and Moveo Dance Company’s production at the Teatru Manoel hits that nostalgic sweet spot, leaving you utterly brimming with festive cheer. Choreographed and directed by Dorian Mallia and co-led by Diane Portelli, this inventive rendition brilliantly ties Tchaikovsky’s iconic score with a bold, contemporary dance language.
Stepping into the historic Manoel Theatre, you are immediately enveloped not only by the excited hum of the audience and the eager voices of younger patrons but also by gentle Christmas music playing in the background, setting the proper mood from the very beginning. Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s literary fairytale, ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’, the narrative follows the young Clara, who receives an enchanted Nutcracker from her mysterious godfather, Herr Drosselmayer. Their ensuing magical journey allows us to encounter the graceful Snowflakes, charming dolls, the delightful Mirlitons, and a much welcomed new addition to this production: the exquisite Pas de Deux of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Aleksandra Idowiak’s set design meticulously conjures the illusion of a wondrous toy emporium. An array of brightly coloured presents defines the rear boundary of the stage, while intentionally extended wings serve to enclose the space and heighten that fantastical atmosphere. As the performance progressed, we were further delighted by suspended ornaments hanging from the ceiling, adding another layer of the unique magic that holds The Nutcracker story together.
However, the scenic element that divided my opinion was the use of a Christmas tree projection on the back wall, which changed to suit the atmosphere of each scene. This was, perhaps, my least favourite element of the whole evening. There is something profoundly magical about the presence of a physical Christmas tree, a magic I felt was slightly diminished by the introduction of the digital projection. While Moveo used the projection cleverly in parts, especially during the introduction of the Mouse King battle, it ultimately detracted from the tangible wonder that a stage-bound tree would have brought.
The casting was absolutely superb, effectively showcasing the brilliant talent, not only of the main company but of both the Moveo Junior Company and MTP (Moveo Training Programme). Every performer rendered their role with absolute precision, most notably Lara Mizzi as Clara and Zashaya Zammit as the Nutcracker. Dorian Mallia’s artistic vision was dramatically enhanced and brought vividly to life by the superb costumes. Each garment on stage was a true testament not only to the enduring magic of The Nutcracker but also to the exceptional artistry and flair the company aims to bring to the stage.
The exquisite detail of the costumes was particularly evident during the Waltz of the Flowers scene. The natural flowiness inherent in the waltz music was perfectly projected through the costumes and echoed in the dancers’ movements, creating a stunning visual unity.
Movement-wise, the entire production was a genuine showcase of Moveo’s signature style. It skilfully fused elements of balletic excellence, seen in the precision of the added Sugar Plum Fairy Pas de Deux, with the powerful partner work and acrobatic flair that the company is known for. This dynamic fusion was evident right from the initial scene where the dolls come to life through to the whimsical journey across the various Russian, Asian, and Oriental dances, towards the end of the production.
As the final curtain descended on the 75-minute production, the air was filled with audible gasps and murmurs, words like ‘So Beautiful’ and ‘So Elegant’ echoing throughout the theatre. I wholeheartedly echo these sentiments. The story of The Nutcracker is universally recognised and thus makes the performance accessible to everyone new to the world of dance, whilst the innovative choreographic approach ensures it remains a unique, enjoyable Christmas favourite to a dance enthusiast. Moveo Dance Company managed to not only honour this beloved classic but also breathe fresh, captivating life into its magic, successfully enchanting an audience spanning all ages.
Editor’s Note: The majority of the photographs provided by the Manoel Theatre are from the 2024 edition of The Nutcracker by Moveo Dance Company. Two photos from the 2025 production was provided directly by Moveo Dance Company
