Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2009

Get an early start on the holiday classics when Ukraine’s Kiev Ballet pulls into town to present Tchaikovsky’s Big Three: The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty. In the hands of the 50-strong Kiev and the Ukraine national orchestra (itself scheduled for separate concerts), these will be traditional productions faithful to the 19th-century choreography of French-Russian master Maurice Petipa. World-class soloists come in the form of the willowy Iuliia Trandasir and the athletic Sergii Sydorskyi, renowned for his lift and energy.

Swan Lake
Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece performed by the Kiev Ballet. Nov 15, 3pm, ¥5,000 (D)/¥7,000 (C)/¥9,000 (B)/¥11,000 (A)/¥13,000 (S). Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Shibuya; Nov 20, 6:30pm, ¥5,000 (D)/¥7,000 (C)/¥9,000 (B)/¥11,000 (A)/¥13,000 (S). Tokyo International Forum, Marunouchi; Nov 23, 2:30pm, ¥8,000 (B)/¥10,000 (A)/¥12,000 (S). Green Hall, Chofu. Tel: 03-3943-9999.

The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky’s seasonal performance by the Kiev Ballet. Nov 19, 6:30pm, ¥4,000 (D)/¥6,000 (C)/¥8,000 (B)/¥10,000 (A)/¥12,000 (S). Omiya Sonic City; Nov 21, 3pm, ¥5,000 (D)/¥7,000 (C)/¥9,000 (B)/¥11,000 (A)/¥13,000 (S). Tokyo International Forum, Marunouchi; Nov 22, 3pm, ¥5,000 (C)/¥8,000 (B)/¥10,000 (A)/12,000 (S). Meguro Persimmon Hall; Nov 29, 3pm, ¥4,000 (D)/¥6,000 (C)/¥9,000 (B)/¥11,000 (A)/¥13,000 (S). Kanagawa Kenmin Hall, Yokohama. Tel: 03-3943-9999.

Sleeping Beauty
Classic fairytale performance by the Kiev Ballet. Nov 27, 6:30pm; Nov 28, 3pm, ¥5,000 (D)/¥7,000 (C)/¥9,000 (B)/¥11,000 (A)/¥13,000 (S).Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Shibuya. Tel: 03-3943-9999.