In annual tradition, Clara’s family is welcoming guests to their Christmas Eve party. Uncle Dross has brought his usual trunk filled with toys from his exotic travels. He offers Clara a special Nutcracker.  

As the evening ends, Clara remains in the living room to play with the Nutcracker and introduce him to her other dolls. Although, chaos ensues when the clock strikes midnight. The Rat King emerges from his den in efforts to bring terror to Clara and her Dolls. Lost in disorder, Clara finds hope when her Uncle arrives to summon the Nutcracker for help. The Nutcracker and the Rat King begin their epic battle although Clara is brave in not wanting anyone to get hurt. She stops the fight between them.

To reward her courage, Uncle Dross invites the Snow Queen and her snowflakes to perform a special dance. The Snow Queen then calls upon her white dragon to take Clara on a journey around the world. 

Uncle Dross welcomes Clara to an enchanted world where she and the Nutcracker dance with fabulous otherworldly characters. Her magical dreams only persist with a gifted tiara, naming her the Sugarplum Fairy.  

Finally, asleep on the couch with her doll, Clara is awoken by her mom who carries her to bed. Christmas night is quiet again. 

Ballet Victoria is proud to have eliminated all colonial stereotypes that can be found in many versions of The Nutcracker, and instead celebrate the best of each culture represented in the divertissements in Act II.