As the orchestra started to play, the curtain still down, silence fell upon the busy theatre, the audience shuffling in their seats in anticipation of what was to come.

Natalie Turner joins the cast as Mrs Stahlbaum, and Sarah-Faith Brown brings a sparkle of magic as the Sugar Plum Fairy, all having starred in Christmas shows and musicals across the UK. Interest in the ballet was created by the concert suite that the composer himself arranged from the ballet score and which was performed some nine months before the stage production. Why this happened remains a mystery, unless Tchaikovsky was afraid other composers might find out about his ‘secret instrument’ which he had specially brought from Paris: the tinkling celesta, its bell-like sound forever to be associated with the Sugar Plum Fairy.

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Safe Haven Ballet is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit that exists to serve the community with free trauma-sensitive ballet, art and movement classes for survivors of sexual assault and trauma.

A notable mention has to be given here to Beatrice Parma, whose performance as Clara was captivating, an opinion I think was also shared by the man sitting next to me who uttered a "wow" under his breath after her dance with the prince. This energetic trio were loud – both in their movement and costume – creating the ideal contrast to the more delicate performances we had seen so far. The spirit of Tchaikovsky once again came alive at the Hippodrome on Friday night as hundreds turned out to watch Birmingham Royal Ballet's sparkling rendition of the classic show. Although it is believed that technically the team work well together and that the composer appreciated the famous choreographer’s work, there were issues over transforming Tchaikovsky’s complicated score for the stage.

Though Ivanov’s style of dance differed from Petipa, it was hardly noticeable as Petipa left strict guidelines for Ivanov to follow. The full ballet was unknown in the West until a production was staged at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London, on 30th January 1934, with Alicia Markova and Stanley Judson (followed in 1937 by Margot Fonteyn and Robert Helpmann). Since 1944 it has become a universal favourite, especially at Christmas time. But students wanted to dance the classic and after much research into the original Tchaikovsky story, Rosenberg said she designed a version of the production that speaks to the intent of the composer and offers much more depth for many of the characters. The dynamic duo will victoriously fight the evil Mouse Queen and her minions to then journey through the Land of Sweets encountering characters from a myriad of countries including the novel, patriotic American! You won’t want to miss this incredible show and fundraiser.