Barbie™ in the Nutcracker is reimagined this November, bringing 25 years of magic to a new generation
(MENAFN- Weber Shandwick) Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the beloved film, Barbie is returning to screens and is bringing the magic of dance and storytelling to life in the UAE through a special collaboration with Fantasia Ballet School in Abu Dhabi.
The magic of Barbie™ in the Nutcracker is returning to screens this November, as Mattel celebrates 25 years of one of Barbie's most cherished animated stories with an all-new reimagined special, having premiered on Netflix on 1 November 2026. Marking a milestone for the film that first introduced generations of children to the world of ballet, the anniversary celebration invites families across GCC to rediscover the magic of dance, imagination and storytelling, while creating new memories together.
First released in 2001, Barbie in the Nutcracker marked the beginning of Barbie's animated storytelling legacy, capturing the imaginations of young audiences through its enchanting characters, classical music and timeless messages of courage and kindness. Twenty-five years later, the story continues to resonate with those who grew up watching the original film, while inspiring a new generation to discover its magic for the first time.
Produced by Mattel Studios, the new animated special brings a fresh perspective to the beloved tale, starring Barbie "Malibu" as Clara, Barbie "Brooklyn" as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Ken as the Nutcracker. Together, they embark on an adventure through enchanted lands, encountering magical characters and facing off against the mischievous Rat King. Blending ballet with hip-hop-inspired dance sequences, the reimagined story celebrates friendship, courage and the importance of believing in yourself.
Adding to the excitement, legendary dancer, choreographer and director Debbie Allen joins the production as Executive Producer and Choreographer, bringing her decades of experience to the special's choreography and movement. Her involvement reflects Barbie's longstanding connection to dance as a powerful form of creativity, confidence and self-expression.
Bringing the magic of ballet to life in the UAE
Beyond the screen, Barbie is extending the anniversary celebrations into the UAE through a special collaboration with Fantasia Ballet School in Abu Dhabi, founded by the mother of Alia Al Neyadi, the UAE's first Emirati ballerina. The collaboration will invite young dancers to step into the magical world of Barbie in the Nutcracker through specially themed ballet classes, bringing the beloved story to life through movement, creativity and imagination.
As a pioneer in the UAE's ballet community, Al Neyadi has helped pave the way for a new generation of aspiring dancers, championing ballet as a form of artistic expression and encouraging young girls to pursue their passions. Through this collaboration, Barbie and Fantasia Ballet School aim to inspire children to discover the joy of dance while building confidence, embracing their individuality and believing in their potential.
Commenting on the collaboration, Alia Al Neyadi, the UAE’s first Emirati ballerina, said: "Dance has always been about so much more than movement for me. It's about confidence, creativity and having the courage to express yourself. As the UAE's first Emirati ballerina, I know how important it is for young girls to see that their dreams are possible, no matter how unconventional they may seem. Growing up, stories like Barbie in the Nutcracker showed us how magical the world of ballet could be, and I'm so excited to bring that same sense of wonder to a new generation of young dancers through this collaboration with Barbie."
The local initiative forms part of Barbie's wider global celebration of the film's 25th anniversary, which includes collaborations with leading dance institutions, immersive experiences and partnerships designed to introduce the timeless story to new audiences.
Barbie in the Nutcracker doll
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Barbie has also introduced an all-new Barbie in the Nutcracker doll collection inspired by the original 2001 film and the reimagined world of the new animated special. Featuring beloved characters including Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Land of Sweets ballerinas, the collection brings the story beyond the screen, encouraging children to recreate their favourite moments and imagine new adventures through play.
Commenting on the 25th anniversary Nathan Baynard, Vice President and Head of Barbie, Mattel, said: "At Barbie, we're proud to create stories that inspire imagination and spark joy across generations. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Barbie in the Nutcracker, this collection honors the enduring magic of dance and storytelling while inviting today's families to create new holiday traditions and memories together."
As Barbie in the Nutcracker enters its next chapter, the anniversary celebrations offer an opportunity for families to revisit a childhood favourite while introducing younger audiences to a timeless story. From the return of the beloved characters to experiences that bring the magic of ballet into the real world, Barbie continues to inspire children to dream big, express themselves and believe in what's possible.
The all-new Barbie in the Nutcracker animated special premieres on screens on 1 November 2026.
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The magic of Barbie™ in the Nutcracker is returning to screens this November, as Mattel celebrates 25 years of one of Barbie's most cherished animated stories with an all-new reimagined special, having premiered on Netflix on 1 November 2026. Marking a milestone for the film that first introduced generations of children to the world of ballet, the anniversary celebration invites families across GCC to rediscover the magic of dance, imagination and storytelling, while creating new memories together.
First released in 2001, Barbie in the Nutcracker marked the beginning of Barbie's animated storytelling legacy, capturing the imaginations of young audiences through its enchanting characters, classical music and timeless messages of courage and kindness. Twenty-five years later, the story continues to resonate with those who grew up watching the original film, while inspiring a new generation to discover its magic for the first time.
Produced by Mattel Studios, the new animated special brings a fresh perspective to the beloved tale, starring Barbie "Malibu" as Clara, Barbie "Brooklyn" as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Ken as the Nutcracker. Together, they embark on an adventure through enchanted lands, encountering magical characters and facing off against the mischievous Rat King. Blending ballet with hip-hop-inspired dance sequences, the reimagined story celebrates friendship, courage and the importance of believing in yourself.
Adding to the excitement, legendary dancer, choreographer and director Debbie Allen joins the production as Executive Producer and Choreographer, bringing her decades of experience to the special's choreography and movement. Her involvement reflects Barbie's longstanding connection to dance as a powerful form of creativity, confidence and self-expression.
Bringing the magic of ballet to life in the UAE
Beyond the screen, Barbie is extending the anniversary celebrations into the UAE through a special collaboration with Fantasia Ballet School in Abu Dhabi, founded by the mother of Alia Al Neyadi, the UAE's first Emirati ballerina. The collaboration will invite young dancers to step into the magical world of Barbie in the Nutcracker through specially themed ballet classes, bringing the beloved story to life through movement, creativity and imagination.
As a pioneer in the UAE's ballet community, Al Neyadi has helped pave the way for a new generation of aspiring dancers, championing ballet as a form of artistic expression and encouraging young girls to pursue their passions. Through this collaboration, Barbie and Fantasia Ballet School aim to inspire children to discover the joy of dance while building confidence, embracing their individuality and believing in their potential.
Commenting on the collaboration, Alia Al Neyadi, the UAE’s first Emirati ballerina, said: "Dance has always been about so much more than movement for me. It's about confidence, creativity and having the courage to express yourself. As the UAE's first Emirati ballerina, I know how important it is for young girls to see that their dreams are possible, no matter how unconventional they may seem. Growing up, stories like Barbie in the Nutcracker showed us how magical the world of ballet could be, and I'm so excited to bring that same sense of wonder to a new generation of young dancers through this collaboration with Barbie."
The local initiative forms part of Barbie's wider global celebration of the film's 25th anniversary, which includes collaborations with leading dance institutions, immersive experiences and partnerships designed to introduce the timeless story to new audiences.
Barbie in the Nutcracker doll
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Barbie has also introduced an all-new Barbie in the Nutcracker doll collection inspired by the original 2001 film and the reimagined world of the new animated special. Featuring beloved characters including Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Land of Sweets ballerinas, the collection brings the story beyond the screen, encouraging children to recreate their favourite moments and imagine new adventures through play.
Commenting on the 25th anniversary Nathan Baynard, Vice President and Head of Barbie, Mattel, said: "At Barbie, we're proud to create stories that inspire imagination and spark joy across generations. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Barbie in the Nutcracker, this collection honors the enduring magic of dance and storytelling while inviting today's families to create new holiday traditions and memories together."
As Barbie in the Nutcracker enters its next chapter, the anniversary celebrations offer an opportunity for families to revisit a childhood favourite while introducing younger audiences to a timeless story. From the return of the beloved characters to experiences that bring the magic of ballet into the real world, Barbie continues to inspire children to dream big, express themselves and believe in what's possible.
The all-new Barbie in the Nutcracker animated special premieres on screens on 1 November 2026.
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