中国版《胡桃夹子》圣诞前亮相

A new production of the festive favorite "The Nutcracker" has taken over the London Coliseum, as the English National Ballet begins their seasonal run.

And this year in Beijing, Chinese audiences will be entertained by a brand new Chinese version of the "The Nutcracker."

The English National Ballet has performed "The Nutcracker" every yuletide since it was founded in 1950.

This year marks the 10th production of the tale, and has been created by English National Ballet's Artistic Director Wayne Eagling.

His new version is a traditional retelling of the story, set in Edwardian London.

It follows Clara and her Nutcracker doll as they travel through the Land of Snow and beyond, under the spell of a magician. The famous Thaikovsky score features the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Swarovski crystals have been used in the costumes and sets to add some Christmas sparkle.

A Chinese take on the holiday season favorite will also be staged by the National Ballet of China.

Instead of happening on Christmas Eve, the Chinese version takes place on the eve of Spring Festival. And the location is transformed to a Beijing Hutong. The evil mouse army is turned into an army composed of Chinese unicorn and some Chinese demons called "Nian."

A plentiful dose of Chinese elements will make the play unmistakably Chinese.

Feng Ying, Director, National Ballet of China, said, "This is a Chinese interpretation to the 'The Nutcracker'. You will see the twelve zodiac animals and Chinese style dances using fans and kites. The porcelain kingdom will replace the Sugar Kingdom of the original play."

The Chinese version of "The Nutcracker" will debut at Tianqiao Theater in Beijing on December the 23rd through 26th.