A Chinese Nutcracker in Washington

The National Ballet of China staged a production of Guo Nian, the Chinese version of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington between Jan 29 and Feb 2 in a series of seven shows to mark Chinese New Year.

The adaptation moves the story from its traditional Christmas setting to Spring Festival, a time of family reunions, and incorporates cultural elements, such as the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac.

Keeping the Russian composer's original score, the Chinese version premiered in 2000 and has been staged during the festival every year since.