The Nutcracker Is Coming to The Bahamas
The holidays in Nassau will open with something entirely new this year. New English Ballet Theatre, one of the United Kingdom’s most innovative contemporary ballet companies, is bringing a reimagined production of The Nutcracker to the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar for a two-night debut on Dec. 12 and 13. It’s the company’s first-ever performance in The Bahamas and a major moment for the island’s growing arts scene — a classic story rebuilt for a modern stage and shaped by international stars with deep Bahamian ties.
This is The Nutcracker transformed, a version that blends Tchaikovsky’s iconic score with contemporary choreography, vivid staging and a storyline that moves from a glitzy present-day holiday party into dream worlds filled with snow, magic and even a dash of Bahamian adventure. The production comes from NEBT Associate Choreographer Valentino Zucchetti, who set out to create something familiar in spirit but entirely fresh in execution.
A Contemporary Take on a Holiday Classic
Zucchetti’s choreography reframes Clara’s journey with a bold visual style, modern costuming and a momentum that shifts quickly from reality to fantasy. The creative team calls it a Nutcracker “you’ve never seen before,” a production designed to bridge heritage and imagination in a way that resonates with local audiences and longtime ballet fans.
A Cast Led by International and Bahamian Stars
The performance brings together some of the world’s top ballet talent. Mayara Magri, Principal of The Royal Ballet in London, will take on the dual roles of Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Zucchetti will perform The Prince while leading the creative vision behind the production. Bahamian-American dancer Nicholas Rose, formerly of Dance Theatre of Harlem and the National Ballet of Canada, returns home to join the cast in a leading role.
For Rose, the performance is personal. He describes the homecoming as a moment tied to heritage, family and the opportunity to mentor young Bahamian dancers who are stepping into the ballet world for the first time.
Building a New Connection With the Local Arts Community
NEBT’s visit extends well beyond the Baha Mar stage. Rose is partnering with Bahamian ballerina Courtney Celeste Fox — a Cultural Ambassador for The Bahamas — to lead masterclasses, workshops and outreach programs designed to connect local students with world-class training. Their work includes free educational sessions, open masterclasses with guest dancers and opportunities for Bahamian students to perform alongside the company during the Nassau shows.
The initiative is part of NEBT’s broader commitment to developing young talent and strengthening the performing arts community throughout New Providence. Fox has joined the project’s development team to bring ballet and arts programming to schools across the island.
A New Holiday Tradition for Nassau
NEBT’s Founder and Artistic Director Karen Pilkington-Miksa says the combination of Tchaikovsky’s music, world-class dancers and Rose’s return to his roots will create an experience that feels both global and deeply Bahamian. The goal is to lay the foundation for an annual performance — a new holiday tradition built in The Bahamas.
