The Sugar Plum Fairy is leaping into your living room this holiday season.
As a sweet finish to a bitterly harsh year, the New York City Ballet, in partnership with Sotheby’s, is streaming a special short film
inspired by the hallowed holiday hallmark: “The Nutcracker” — the company’s most famous production and a New York yuletide tradition.
Waltzing into the homes of lifelong lovers of the cherished Peter Tchaikovsky classic amid the coronavirus pandemic, the NYCB’s specially choreographed virtual showcase — curated by NYCB soloist Peter Walker — will usher at-home audiences through an unforgettable adventure of snowflake-frosted fun and fantasy at 2 p.m. Dec. 4.
Strong-armed by the COVID-19 outbreak to cancel its fall, winter and spring seasons 2020-2021 at the onset of the global health crisis, the NYCB and Sotheby’s are co-presenting the broadcast of “The Nutcracker” as a “feel-good” moment for aficionados to re-engage in the world of the performing arts after months of dormancy.
Adding even more sparkle to the sugar-powdered production, featured NYCB soloist Sebastian Villarini-Velez and Corps de Ballet member India Bradley will both be styled in glittering jewelry and dazzling watches from Sotheby’s December marquee auctions.
“The Nutcracker” premiere broadcast will kick off Sotheby’s luxury sales series, the Festival of Wonder, featuring dedicated auctions of coveted jewels, watches, designer handbags, wine and much more, offered across a series of live and online auctions throughout December.
New York City Ballet’s virtual production of “The Nutcracker” will air Friday, Dec. 4, on Sothebys.com, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.