Ever since the curtain first rose on the New York City Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker" in 1954, George Balanchine's staging of the Tchaikovsky classic has cast a magic spell.

The princess, patron of the Northern Ballet, told stars of the company's production they had been brave to go for a modern version of the Tchaikovsky classic.

Matthew Bourne's version of this Tchaikovsky classic may not be as spectacular or profound as the 19th-century original, but it is polished entertainment, clever in its choreography and uninhibited in its tender moments.

On Friday night at the New York State Theater, the New York City Ballet gave its first performance this year of George Balanchine's choreography for the Tchaikovsky classic.

The one-act version of the familiar Tchaikovsky classic that the New York City Ballet has in its repertory is more peculiar than persuasive.

In Brookville, at the Tilles Center, the Eglevsky Ballet mounts its 43rd edition of the Tchaikovsky classic at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Dec. 18.

For more than a century, choreographers and companies have tinkered with the choreography, scenery and plot details of the Tchaikovsky classics: "Swan Lake," "The Sleeping Beauty" and "The Nutcracker."

Robert Joffrey conceived his company's staging of the Tchaikovsky classic as a festive full-evening ballet with a 19th-century Americana flavor.

The City Ballet has performed the Tchaikovsky classic, choreographed by George Balanchine, every year at this time since 1954.

"The Sleeping Beauty" came awake twice on Wednesday when American Ballet Theater presented matinee and evening performances of the Tchaikovsky classic at the Metropolitan Opera House.