The Royal Ballet and Mattel Inc.’s Barbie today unveil a new partnership celebrating the enduring legacy of The Nutcracker. Across stage and screen, both brands have introduced generations of audiences to the enchantment of The Nutcracker through their own distinctive interpretations. Uniting the Barbie brand’s cultural influence and imaginative storytelling with The Royal Ballet’s internationally acclaimed artistry, the collaboration pays tribute to the timeless appeal of the classic tale.
The partnership brings this shared connection to life through content, fashion and live experiences. From an original content collaboration with Royal Ballet Principal Fumi Kaneko, a limited-edition Barbie® | Royal Ballet retail collection and a four-day Barbie® | Royal Ballet pop–up experience at the Royal Opera House.
The collaboration comes as Barbie® in The Nutcracker reaches its 25th anniversary year, with Mattel Studios ushering in the holiday season with a new animated Barbie in the Nutcracker special on Netflix this November, alongside the return of The Royal Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker to the Royal Opera House stage from the 3 December 2026 – 13 January 2027 featuring Fumi Kaneko as The Sugar Plum Fairy in select performances.
Barbie is debuting the first trailer for the Barbie in the Nutcracker special, coming to Netflix this November as part of the film’s 25th anniversary celebration. You can watch the trailer HERE and find hi-res images of the new film HERE. The magic of Barbie in the Nutcracker is also coming to life beyond the stage and screen with an all-new doll collection inspired by the beloved story and upcoming animated special, bringing characters like Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and more to life through innovative play experiences.
Jessica Kelly, head of consumer products EMEA at Mattel, said: “As Barbie in the Nutcracker celebrates its 25th anniversary, we’re delighted to honour this beloved part of the brand’s history through a special partnership with The Royal Ballet. United by a passion for storytelling and creativity, this collection celebrates the timeless magic of The Nutcracker in a fresh and meaningful way. We’re excited for Barbie and ballet fans alike to experience the collection and share in the magic of this timeless story.”
Sophie Wybrew-Bond, chief commercial officer of the Royal Ballet and Opera, said: “The Nutcracker is a much-anticipated part of the festive season for The Royal Ballet and our audiences and this partnership with Barbie gives us a chance to look at the story from a new perspective. Bringing together Barbie’s cultural influence with the artistry and craft of The Royal Ballet, we can explore the story across original social content, a retail collaboration, and live experiences at the Royal Opera House. It’s a partnership that reflects the different ways audiences can discover and engage with ballet.”
Fumi Kaneko brings Barbie into the world of ballet
As part of the partnership, Royal Ballet principal dancer Fumi Kaneko features in original social content offering an inside look at life as a Principal ballet dancer. Fumi will take on the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in selected performances of The Royal Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker this December.
From behind-the-scenes glimpses of ballet class to the day in the life of a Royal Ballet Principal, the content also sees Fumi introduce children to ballet through play, movement and Barbie – including a lesson in ballet for Barbie herself.
Fumi Kaneko, pincipal of The Royal Ballet, said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of this special collaboration. Bringing together The Royal Ballet, Barbie and The Nutcracker is a moment of pure joy. Together, we’ve created a unique piece of content that celebrates the magic and imagination that Barbie and The Nutcracker inspire in children of all ages. Filming with the young dancers and sharing our joy of Barbie was incredibly heartwarming, and I hope it encourages children everywhere to dream big and believe in themselves.”
The limited-edition collection features apparel, accessories, and keepsakes inspired by the 2001 animated film, Barbie® in the Nutcracker. It includes T-shirts, a baseball cap, socks, and tote bags, alongside collectible pieces such as the best-selling ballet shoe keyring in a special Barbie edition, a limited-edition mug, sticker set and pin badge set.
Festive pieces in the collection include a limited-edition pink Christmas jumper featuring Clara and the Nutcracker, with the historic Royal Opera House on the reverse, alongside a Nutcracker ticket Christmas decoration.
The line launches online at the Royal Ballet and Opera Shop on Friday 18 September, before arriving in stores from Friday 23 October. Fans eager to purchase the collection can register for early exclusive access with registered customers receiving the chance to shop 24 hours before the general sale, customers can sign up at HERE.
Barbie® | Royal Ballet pop-up experience at the Royal Opera House
The partnership will also come to life at the Royal Opera House, with a four-day Barbie® | Royal Ballet pop-up experience in the Ground Floor Cafe from the 28th to the 31st of October.
Designed with younger audiences and families in mind, the experience will invite visitors to discover the world of Barbie® in the Nutcracker through a series of playful activities and interactive moments.
Visitors can expect a Barbie in the Nutcracker photo opportunity, an interactive activity trail and a magical postcard activity, where children can write their wishes and dreams before posting them through the Nutcracker post-box.
Alongside the pop-up, additional free ticketed activities will be available to book, offering families the chance to get creative through craft activities and storytelling sessions, as well as exclusive screenings of the new Barbie in the Nutcracker special. Booking information will be announced on the Royal Ballet and Opera website.
