News clipping: Nutcracker and year-end compilation
- Ikuko
- Dec 23, 2025
- 2 min read
The New York Times' dance critics published "The best dance performances of 2025" on 8th December 2025. According to them, Twyla Tharp is the leader. Fjord Review published "Critics' picks 2025." I wish I could watch them all! (Subscriptions required)
There have been many reviews and news articles about various versions of The Nutcracker. Notably, Gramilano gave Valentino Zucchetti’s brand new The Nutcracker for New English Ballet Theatre (NEBT) four out of five stars. The review on 19th December said, "an absolute delight to report that not only does Zucchetti’s production succeed – it does so with just twelve dancers." The opera and ballet website published an interview with Zucchetti, who is a First Soloist of The Royal Ballet, about his creation earlier on 10th December.
The Guardian also gave NEBT's The Nutcracker a favorable review, commending, "inventive choreography by Valentino Zucchetti and a spirited cast".
NPR published an article about the financial side of The Nutcracker on 22nd December, how the Christmas staple helps the companies to pay ever-increasing bills. The U.S. non-profit news website said "total ticket revenue for The Nutcracker between 2022 and 2024 rose from just over $57 million to well over $84 million" for large U.S. ballet companies with annual budgets of over $3 million. For New York City Ballet, its The Nutcracker run brings in about 45% of the annual revenue. The article also said the price of pointe shoes have skyrocketed due to higher tariffs.
Another The New York Times article on 19th December talked about Marco Goecke's new Nutcracker, which world-premiered on 13th December, or rather about how he came back as Artistic Director of Ballett Basel after the dog-feces smearing incident, which cost him the ballet directorship with the Hanover State Opera two years ago.
Lastly, not exactly a news pickup, but it is worth mentioning that the Radio City Rockettes, known for its Christmas Spectacular show, has celebrated its 100 year anniversary in 2025. Here is the full episode of Celebrating 100 Years of the Rockettes.
Wishing everyone happy holidays and a happy new year!
