As one of the most distinctive modern buildings in Singapore, theEsplanade-Theatres on the Bay is one of the Singapore's leading national artpalace. Local people prefer tonickname it "the big durian". The landmark theatre is no stranger toartists of National Ballet of China, for they was invited to attend the openceremony with the ballet performance Raise the Red Lantern in October toNovember 2002.

With the Chinese lunarNew Year just around the corner, the National Ballet of China will stageanother Chinese ballet TheNutcracker (Chinese Version) at'the big durian' art center from January 18th to 20th,2019. At present, the artists of National Ballet of China are intensivelypreparing for the performance. Let’s walk into theEsplanade-Theatres on the Bay andpay a visit to their preparations before the show in 'the big durian".

There are 39 cute local children will walk into the stage of theEsplanade-Theatres on the Baytogether with the artists of National Ballet of China. Then they will play as 'the little gold ingot' andshow the best regards to the audience for the coming Chinese Lunar New Year.Sun Xiaoqian, an outstanding dancer from the National Ballet of China, has been teaching the young actors at the China artscenter for the first rehearsal.