Barbie® and The Royal Ballet announce new partnership inspired by the magic of The Nutcracker
by The Royal Ballet and Opera
Monday 14 September 2026
The Royal Ballet and Mattel Inc.’s Barbie 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
The partnership brings this shared connection to life through video 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 3 December 2026 - 13 January 2027.
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.
Fumi Kaneko brings Barbie into the world of ballet
As part of the partnership, Royal Ballet Principal dancer Fumi Kaneko features in original videos 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 ballet lesson for Barbie herself.
Gallery
Limited-edition Barbie® | Royal Ballet retail collection
The limited-edition retail collection features apparel, accessories and keepsakes inspired by the 2001 animated film, Barbie® in the Nutcracker. The collection features 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 iconic Royal Opera House on the reverse, alongside a ticket for The Nutcracker Christmas decoration.
The line launches online on the Royal Ballet and Opera Shop website on Friday 18 September, before arriving in store 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.
To be the first to shop the collection, sign up here for exclusive access to the range.
The limited-edition Barbie® | Royal Ballet retail collection
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 28 - 31 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.
The Royal Ballet's The Nutcracker appears on the Main Stage from 3 December 2026 - 13 January 2027, tickets are available to book here. The Nutcracker is also available to watch now on Royal Ballet and Opera Stream.