Nutcracker in Havana

Having recently visited the vibrant city of Havana, I was curious to see a Cuban dance company’s take on the festive classic, The Nutcracker.  Ballet is very popular in Cuba as people can train at the Cuban National Ballet School, in the hopes of becoming part of the Cuban National Ballet Company based at the Great Theatre of Havana.

For dance fans around the globe, Carlos Acosta CBE is an international superstar of the classical ballet world. Born in Havana and trained at the National School of Ballet in Cuba, he went on to dance professionally with the world’s most prestigious companies, with London’s Royal Ballet becoming his home. Having tackled huge titles throughout his career, from Carmen to Don Quixote, Nutcracker in Havana is an opportunity for Acosta to fuse this festive treat with a little Havana heat.

Carlos has created a fusion of classical ballet and contemporary latin dance moves, in his production, which features more than 20 dancers from his Cuban company, Acosta Danza.

Set to an exuberant Cuban newly commissioned version of the magnificent Tchaikovsky score, arranged by Cuban composer Pepe Gavilondo, the timeless story is brought to life with ballet at its core, enriched with Acosta Danza’s unique style and with Cuban dance traditions beautifully woven throughout the much-loved and joyful family tale.

With spectacular video projection and set design by Nina Dunn (9to5 Musical, Bonnie and Clyde, BRB’s Don Quixote), Cuba collides with the Land of Sweets, bringing snow to Havana. With lighting by Andrew Exeter (Oti Mabuse: I Am Here, The Full Monty UK Tour, Johannes Radebe: House of JoJo) and costumes by Angelo Alberto (costume designer for Goyo Montero’s ‘Imponderable’ and Raul Reinoso’s ‘Satori’ with Acosta Danza) Nutcracker in Havana is a visually stunning spectacular treat for all.

Think of Cuba and classic cars spring to mind, so it was a delight to see one appearing throughout the show.  The video projection takes us through the streets of Havana around the iconic Capitol Building and beyond to the countryside with lush rainforests.  The first scene opens with a typical family Christmas celebration, opening presents, laughing and dancing to the rhythmic sounds of the Caribbean.  When Clara is gifted a Nutcracker doll she embarks on the journey of a lifetime, to defeat the Rat King and into the world of the Sugar Plum Fairy accompanied by her Nutcracker Prince.

After the Nutcracker is turned into a Prince, a magical scene opens up as the forest turns into a winter wonderland, with sumptuous white costumes and giant snowflakes.  As they travel to the Land of Sweets, Clara is entertained by dancers from around the world, led by the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The dancing is very much ‘on point’ and the fusion of ballet and Cuban dances is joyous.  With gloriously colourful costumes, a maypole and clogs, Nutcracker in Havana brings a contemporary, vibrant interpretation to this classical ballet.

For further details of Carlos Acosta and tour dates visit: https://www.carlosacosta.com/

Reviewed by:

Yvonne Delahaye (X – @yvonnedelahaye)

31.10.25