![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/The-Australian-Ballet-Joseph-Caley-and-Mia-Heathcote-in-The-Nutcracker-Wright-photo-by-Daniel-Boud-2.jpeg\")
Mattel Inc. a leading global play and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, and The Australian Ballet, have announced a partnership to mark the 25th anniversary of Barbie in the Nutcracker, the special that launched the brand\u2019s animated legacy and became a holiday classic.<\/p>\n
In 2001, Barbie in the Nutcracker captured the hearts of children everywhere. Now, Barbie and The Australian Ballet are bringing that joy to life for a new generation through performances and magical experiences ahead of an all-new animated special from Barbie this September.<\/p>\n
\u201cBarbie has inspired generations through storytelling, imagination and play, and experiences like this give families new ways to connect with the stories they love. Partnering with The Australian Ballet brings the world of Barbie in the Nutcracker beyond the screen, creating meaningful shared experiences that celebrate one of Barbie\u2019s most enduring stories,\u201d said Paul Faulkner, SVP & Managing Director, Mattel Asia Pacific.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor many people, Barbie in the Nutcracker was their first introduction to our magical world of ballet. As we prepare to bring our production of The Nutcracker to stages in Melbourne and Sydney, we\u2019re delighted to partner with Mattel to celebrate the enduring connection between Barbie and ballet,\u201d said David Hallberg, Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate ballet, while reconnecting parents with a story that first sparked their own imagination and love of dance.\u201d<\/p>\n
To mark the 25th anniversary of the original, Barbie in the Nutcracker returns in an all-new animated special on Netflix later this year. The 45-minute reimagining brings modern animation and fresh storytelling to the classic tale.<\/p>\n
In this new adventure, Barbie \u201cBrooklyn\u201d Roberts steps into the role of the Sugarplum Princess and Barbie \u201cMalibu\u201d Roberts stars as Clara, as they journey through a musical, magical dreamworld filled with holiday wonder, courage and friendship.<\/p>\n
The special invites a whole new generation to fall in love with the story that defined the Barbie brand\u2019s animated legacy. The project is overseen by Rob David and Teale Sperling for Mattel Studios.<\/p>\n
Barbie\u00ae Nutcracker Clara Doll \u2013 Ballet-spring ankle, seven points of articulation, iconic nightgown with ruffle detail and all-over foil print. Includes friendship necklace and Nutcracker accessory. Families can enter the Barbie Nutcracker competition for the chance to win exclusive Nutcracker-inspired experiences as part of the partnership with The Australian Ballet by purchasing any Mattel Barbie toy product from participating retailers from July 2026.<\/p>\n Prizes include weekly double passes to see The Nutcracker live in Melbourne or Sydney, digital gift cards, and a major prize package for four, including tickets to the show, a travel allowance and a Barbie merchandise pack.<\/p>\n As The Australian Ballet<\/a> prepares to perform Sir Peter Wright\u2019s acclaimed production of The Nutcracker at Arts Centre Melbourne<\/a> from 24 \u2013 31 October 2026 before travelling to the Sydney Opera House<\/a> from 28 November \u2013 16 December 2026, its partnership with Barbie will give Australian families new opportunities to experience the beloved story through a fresh lens.<\/p>\n Images: Joseph Caley and Mia Heathcote in The Australian Ballet\u2019s production of The Nutcracker (Wright) \u2013 photo by Daniel Boud (2024)\u00a0| Barbie In The Nutcracker \u2013 Doll (supplied) | Barbie in the Nutcracker \u2013 Clara Ballerina Doll (supplied) | Barbie In The Nutcracker \u2013 Sugar Plum Doll (supplied)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Mattel Inc. a leading global play and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":786984,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[64,63,4100,163850,40037,4094,163851,4101,647,163849,4093,163853,4092,4099,4090,4105,105,163852,4089,4104],"class_list":["post-786983","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-technology","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-belvoir","tag-book-of-mormom","tag-destination-nsw","tag-fortyfivedownstairs","tag-kooza","tag-la-boite-theatre","tag-melbourne","tag-meow-meow","tag-midsumma","tag-muck-rack","tag-ngv","tag-opera-australia","tag-publication-media","tag-rocky-horror","tag-technology","tag-the-lion-king","tag-theatre","tag-todd-mckenney"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/786983","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=786983"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/786983\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/786984"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=786983"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=786983"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=786983"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Barbie](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Barbie-in-the-Nutcracker-Dolls.jpg\")
<\/a>Barbie is also introducing a line of dolls and accessories based on the new content and designed to inspire hours of ballet play. The new Barbie Nutcracker doll collection<\/a> includes:<\/p>\n
\nBarbie\u00ae Nutcracker Clara Deluxe Doll \u2013 Hold her hand and twirl to watch her skirt transform from pink tulle to satin rainbow candy print. Ballet-spring ankle, seven points of articulation, headband, necklace and giftbox.
\nBarbie\u00ae Nutcracker Sugar Plum Fairy Doll \u2013 The same magical skirt-twirl transformation, ballet spring ankle, seven articulation points, plus headband, necklace and wand.
\nBarbie\u00ae Nutcracker Daisy Doll \u2013 Ballet-spring ankle, seven points of articulation, signature outfit with hat and candy cane accessory.
\nBarbie\u00ae Nutcracker Land of Sweets Ballerinas \u2013 Choose from Nikki as Marzipan or Renee as Candy Cane, each with a gorgeous candy-themed headband.
\nBarbie\u00ae Nutcracker Chelsea Snow Fairies \u2013 Little ones can join the cast as Chelsea the Snow Fairy, complete with soft-goods tutu, hairband and wand.
\nBarbie\u00ae Nutcracker Land of Sweets Horse and Sled \u2013 White horse with soft mane, candy-scented forelock and colourful accents. Sled fits two dolls (not included). Includes three clips and brush for styling and storytelling play.<\/p>\n