Under the Artistic Direction of Nina Ananiashvili: The Nutcracker in Istanbul and Ankara
The Georgian State Ballet, one of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies with a proud history of 175 years, takes the stage with Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s timeless The Nutcracker next week in Istanbul (15–17 January) and Ankara (18–19 January). Following huge demand from audiences that saw every ticket sell out, the production will return to Türkiye in December.
The Georgian State Ballet, one of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies with a proud history of 175 years, brings Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s immortal The Nutcracker to audiences in Türkiye in January, organised by PIU Entertainment. Staged under the artistic direction and choreography of the legendary Nina Ananiashvili, the production will be performed in Istanbul and Ankara.
With its magical snow-covered scenes, colourful costumes, splendid sets and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, The Nutcracker has remained one of the world’s best-loved classical ballets since its premiere in 1892.
The Georgian State Ballet, one of the ballet world’s most important institutions thanks to its long history, has performed all over the world. Described as “flawless” by the New York Times, the company crowned its international success with a Herald Angel Award at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2008. Having also made a great impression with its performances at the London Coliseum in 2024, the company brings grace and power together every time it takes the stage.
A Ballerina Who Shapes the Art: Nina Ananiashvili
The production’s artistic director and choreographer, Nina Ananiashvili, has written her name into ballet history as a former principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Named by the Daily Telegraph among the “12 greatest ballerinas of all time”, she was chosen as “Ballerina of the Year” by US Dance Magazine in 2002.
Artistic director of the Georgian State Ballet since 2004, Ananiashvili has strengthened the company’s international prestige through the vision she has brought, staging works by choreographers such as Balanchine, Ashton, Kylián and Ratmansky alongside the classical repertoire.
Back in Türkiye in December by Popular Demand
After the January performances quickly drew huge interest, The Nutcracker will be staged again in Istanbul and Ankara in December 2026. Tickets for the new dates go on sale on Friday 9 January.
Tickets for this special event, organised by Piu Entertainment, are on sale at Biletinial, Biletix, Bubilet and Passo.
Programme
Istanbul – Zorlu PSM / Turkcell Stage
• Thursday 15 January – 20:00
• Friday 16 January – 20:00
• Saturday 17 January – 14:30
• Saturday 17 January – 19:30
• Saturday 26 December 2026 – 14:30 and 19:30
Ankara – ATO Congresium
• Sunday 18 January – 20:00
• Monday 19 January – 20:00
• Sunday 20 December 2026 – 14:30 and 19:30
