My Thoughts on 'The Nutcracker' Ice Show - A Mixed Bag of Magic and Disappointment

Merry Christmas Eve! I just got back from the Tatyana Navka ice show 'The Nutcracker', and I'm still reeling from the experience. Let me share my thoughts on what to expect.

First off, if you're on the fence about whether to see it or not, I'd say go and judge for yourself. There are plenty of reviews out there, but it's all about personal taste. We saw it on New Year's Eve, January 6, 2026, and it was a wild ride. To put it bluntly, the speakers almost blew us away during the performance. It was intense, to say the least. I think it might be too loud for kids' ears, so I'd recommend checking out the main parter to avoid the speakers and the main banner being too close.

The interlude between the two parts was a real assault on my eardrums. But hey, I'm not feeling great today, so maybe I'm just being dramatic. If I decide to see 'Cinderella', I'll make sure to choose my seats more carefully. Somewhere away from the speakers and right in front of the main banner. I also liked the tradition of the performers skating around the ice near the front rows. It was really sweet.It's an Ice Show, Not a Theatrical Performance

That's exactly what it's called - an ice show with a focus on the skill of ice skating. It's not a theatrical performance that immerses you in the story. The 'Nutcracker' ice show is inspired by the classic tale and offers its own unique interpretation. It's pretty interesting, especially with the modern technology that's become a part of many families' lives. The AI duo in the pair skating was impressive, with the robots' costumes changing in a mesmerizing display.

As soon as I heard the name Clara, I thought of the Japanese writer Haruki Murakami's book 'Klara and the Sun'. I guess that's the direction they're heading in. It's a notable detail, but I'm not sure if everyone will recognize it.I'm sure Murakami would have been pleased. Instead of the intimacy and mystery that's characteristic of the original tale by Hoffmann, they offer spectacle and brightness, professional ice skating, and it's definitely worth paying attention to.Execution is Top-Notch, But Lacking in Poetry

I've got to say, the execution of this show is top-notch. Watching the skaters perform at this level is pure magic for the audience. And it's no wonder - we're talking Olympic champions here. Some people might be so captivated that they'll want to take up figure skating themselves. I was blown away by how flexible and agile the skaters are. It's made me take a second look at this sport and re-watch 'Ice Dances' in a whole new light. Before, I wasn't really interested, but after seeing this, I'm intrigued by the level of control and poise the skaters display. They're all so lean, toned, and incredibly mobile.

A True Olympic Example of Spirit and Determination

It's great when you can find something that stands out from the ordinary in the midst of a dull routine. This show is definitely something that will stay with you, and I love starting the year off with something that's inspiring. We witnessed a true Olympic example of spirit and determination yesterday. When the Olympic champions couldn't pull off the planned element, they came up with something even more impressive. Petr Chernyshov, playing the role of a father in the ice show, represented all the skaters who became his artists in the show's finale. And I noticed that Olympic champions fall extremely rarely. What struck me most was how they get back up. It's like they never fell at all. A great emotional message for the year of the fire horse. Where there's a fall, there's a rise. That's the Olympic way.

The Fire Horse with Golden Wings, Acrobatic Artistry, and the Victory of Good over Evil

I was really impressed by the Mouse King's horse. It's like a fiery Pegasus with golden wings. The decorations and costumes are top-notch - 10 out of 10. They're incredibly vibrant and visually stunning.

My verdict is mixed. Is it worth taking small kids to see this? Probably not. Unless you can captivate them with the figure skating and leave them with an unforgettable impression that'll put them on skates. Of course, kids are different - some fell asleep and had to be carried out. I think kids around 9 years old are old enough to appreciate this show.I'd Give the Figure Skating Version of The Nutcracker 10 out of 10

Watching the incredible level of skating was a real treat. If you're just looking at the skating, it's worth 10 out of 10. However, the show itself is only worth 5 out of 10.

I get what they're saying about the show's adaptation being a bit of an ice show. I think it's a bit lacking in poetry. Poetry's often overrated, but without it, you don't get those beautiful, lyrical songs that stick with you. Some of the transitions felt a bit awkward, especially for families with teenagers. I mean, some of the moments were pretty cringeworthy, and I could see them getting parodied in school. A couple of times, I was genuinely surprised. The literary side of things was definitely lacking, but the choreography was top-notch.

There's definitely room for improvement, but the show was memorable. The message came across loud and clear. You could feel the love and care that went into it. And I'm not ashamed to say I enjoyed it. The red horse was solid, powerful, and majestic. When it took off, everyone was blown away. What a great find! The golden-winged Pegasus will be etched in my memory forever. It was a real showstopper. With Pegasus by its side, the Nutcracker Prince was transformed from a victim to a hero. The horse looked like it was riding a red Lamborghini. I was blown away by the skating under the beautiful music without any awkward transitions or words. At the very end. For that level of skill, you can forgive a lot. The power of immortal music and paired skating is truly awe-inspiring. The duet between the Nutcracker and Marie was majestic and elegant. The white shirt billowed in the wind as they skated by. It was stylish and romantic. It takes a lot of strength to hold your partner up and not fall over. It was touching. Now, I find myself looking at figure skaters like I'm watching a ballet - without the skates.The quadruple flip and salchow from Fritz were incredible. The Queen impressed me with her elegance, and the Storyteller's lines were crisp and clean. I guess that's what they call it. It's mesmerizing to watch the skill on display. It's no wonder they swept the competition and brought home Olympic medals. Figure skaters are in a league of their own. There's a sense that this production has even more potential.