When we think of ballet, one name comes to mind: The Nutcracker. Since its first performance in 1892 in Saint Petersburg, this ballet adapted from Hoffmann's tale has crossed the ages and been reimagined in so many ways. From January 7 to 11, 2026, the famous choreographer, Benjamin Millepied, will grace La Seine Musicale with his reinvented version of The Nutcracker, created in Geneva twenty years ago. It’s a contemporary show, full of boldness and poetry, not to be missed at the start of the year!
©Mathilde Fanet
A magical performance on the stage of La Seine Musicale
On stage, 22 dancers from the Nice Opera Ballet will tell the legendary story of The Nutcracker through their movements. For Christmas, Clara received a nutcracker shaped like a little soldier. One night, when she wakes up to check on her toy, she discovers that it has come to life and has won the battle against the king of the mice. Like a prince, he then takes Clara into a magical world filled with dance, sweets, and enchantment. Is it a dream or a real moment of magic? The mystery lingers as Clara wakes up. First presented in Switzerland, Benjamin Millepied's adaptation offers a new transformation for The Nutcracker.
His Musical.
.
©Mathilde Fanet
A show that blends tradition and freedom
In-depth choreography, embraced narrative freedom… Benjamin Millepied presents a version that is both contemporary and uniquely personal for the Parisian audience. For this occasion, the musical work by Tchaikovsky has been recorded by the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra, while the visual universe—sets and costumes—has been designed by painter and set designer Paul Cox. A show at the crossroads of tradition and modernity that is sure to delight both young and old!
©Mathilde Fanet
The Nutcracker
La Seine Musicale
Île Seguin — 92100, Boulogne-Billancourt
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 8 PM
Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 8 PM
Friday, January 9, 2026 at 8 PM
Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 3 PM and 8 PM
Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 3 PM
More info and reservations