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But it was the performance accompanying Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers" in Act II that received the biggest applause of the night, as dancers donned in beautiful pink, sparkling dresses drifted across the stage in total unison – not a step out of place. The Snow Fairy leapt onto the stage of the Birmingham Hippodrome 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. Providing the malevolent edge this year is Neil Jennings, who’s professional career has included The Gruffalo alongside Shakespeare classics. His delicious take on the Mouse King will be one to be savoured. Leading the cast is leading international musical actor Kurt Kansley, who plays genius inventor Drosselmeyer. Kurt has been seen and heard in many musicals across the world, such as Guys and Dolls, Miss Saigon and The Lion King, and most recently as Che in Hal Prince’s production of Evita at Sydney Opera House.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. 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.

The show features children who are part of the Anaheim Ballet School, seasonal dancers with the ballet company and even an 81-year-old who for years has played the grandfather in the party scene.

Hoffman’s original work showed the dark side of human nature and was definitely not appropriate for children.

Another favourite moment of mine in Act II was the Russian Dance, brought to life by Louis Andreasen, Ryan Felix and Callum Findlay White. After the triumph of Sleeping Beauty, the director of the Imperial Theatres, Ivan Aleksandrovich Vsevolozhskiy, invited Tchaikovsky to compose a double-bill consisting of a one-act opera and a two-act ballet.Initially Tchaikovsky was not attracted to the story but he became more reconciled to it as he progressed. Eventually, he preferred it to his opera Yolanta. Drosselmeyer is based on the character of the same name from the original story by E. T. A. Hoffmann and the ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Along with their dance instruction, the performers also get training from a Hollywood actor, which helps flesh out their presence on stage, Rosenberg said.

More than 50 dancers will bring the classic story to life this weekend in Anaheim before taking their production on its annual tour to Nevada where they appear at Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort.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.