Paula Castro Dance Company stages “The Nutcracker” at Teatro VillaLobos on December 22 and 23, with tickets on sale and family-friendly rating.
A Christmas classic on stage
The renowned Paula Castro Dance Company brings the classic ballet “The Nutcracker” to Teatro VillaLobos in São Paulo. Performances take place on December 22 and 23, 2025, at 8 p.m., on the city’s West Side. In this way, audiences are invited to dive into the magic of Christmas with one of the most beloved works in the classical repertoire.
Inspired by the tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”, the production is known for its enchanting atmosphere and iconic score. The show offers a unique opportunity for dance lovers to experience one of the world’s most celebrated ballets live. Moreover, it is designed to captivate spectators of all ages with fantasy, music and virtuoso dancing.
Tickets and sales points
Tickets for “The Nutcracker” are available online and at physical points of sale. Purchases can be made at self-service kiosks on the 4th floor of Shopping VillaLobos and at the Teatro VillaLobos box office on show days. At the theater, ticket sales start three hours before curtain time and continue until the performance begins.
The age rating is general audience, with the recommendation that children under 12 be accompanied by parents or legal guardians. As a result, the production becomes an attractive Christmas program for families. Thus, the theater prepares to welcome a diverse audience, from children attending their first ballet to seasoned enthusiasts.
Story: a magical Christmas night
The plot unfolds at a Christmas party in the Stahlbaum family home, where young Clara receives a nutcracker soldier from her godfather Drosselmeyer. After the celebration, the room undergoes a mysterious transformation before the girl’s eyes. The Christmas tree grows to giant proportions and toys come to life, including the Nutcracker.
The Nutcracker then turns into a prince and invites Clara on a fantastic journey. Together they travel through the Land of Snow and arrive in the Kingdom of Sweets, where they are welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy and other magical characters. The blend of fantasy, lyrical music and expressive choreography makes the ballet an unmissable experience.
About Paula Castro Dance Company
Founded in 1984 under the name Dança & Cia, the company was created to showcase talents trained at Ballet Paula Castro. A few years later, it adopted the name Paula Castro Cia de Dança to strengthen the link with the school. Over decades, the troupe has worked with leading contemporary choreographers and built a solid reputation with critics and audiences.
The professional company of the Paula Castro Group has staged acclaimed productions such as “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake”. It has collaborated with international stars including choreographers Luiz Arrieta and Victor Navarro, and dancers like Cuban Carlos Acosta, Nelson Madrigal Rodrigues and Yosvani Ramos. In Brazil, the ensemble has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Cecília Kerche and Ana Botafogo.
The company is based at the Morumbi unit of Ballet Paula Castro, in São Paulo. Artistic and general direction is led by Juliana Castro, with Lucas Graziane as choreographer and teacher. In this way, the group preserves a strong artistic identity, combining tradition, technical excellence and the training of new generations of dancers.
About Teatro VillaLobos
Located on the fourth floor of Shopping VillaLobos, on São Paulo’s West Side, Teatro VillaLobos offers a structure tailored to major productions. The venue has 717 seats divided between lower and upper levels. Its stage is over 10 meters deep and 24 meters wide, allowing for large-scale sets and choreographies.
A spacious foyer with a café and a rooftop with a city view complement the audience experience. Designed by architect Carlos Bratke (1942–2017), the theater features advanced acoustic and stagecraft projects. Therefore, state-of-the-art materials and equipment help make each performance immersive and memorable.
The VillaLobos programming includes adult and children’s plays as well as large theatrical productions. On weekdays, the stage hosts concerts, stand-up comedy shows and corporate events. Thus, the venue has consolidated itself as a versatile cultural hub in São Paulo.
Service – “The Nutcracker” by Paula Castro Cia de Dança
Dates and times: December 22 and 23, at 8 p.m.
Venue: Teatro VillaLobos.
Address: Av. Drª Ruth Cardoso, 4777 – Jardim Universidade Pinheiros – São Paulo/SP.
Age rating: General, children under 12 accompanied by parents or legal guardians.
