AN UPCOMING production of The Nutcracker will feature “subtle but important” changes, in a commitment to tackling racism in ballet.

Scottish Ballet said the Chinese and Arabian-inspired scenes in the Land of Sweets will have updated costumes and choreography to “remove elements of caricature”.

Christopher Hampson, Scottish Ballet’s artistic director, said “rectifying inappropriate cultural stereotypes” will add to the heritage of the production.

The magician character, Drosselmeyer, will be played by both male and female dancers in this tour, which opens at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh on December 1.

Hampson, who is also the dance company’s chief executive, said: “At Scottish Ballet we want to drive anti-racism, clear and simple. If we see racist stereotypes or if we hear about racism within the ballet world, it must be addressed.

“The Nutcracker was created in 1972, when it was acceptable to represent other cultures through imitation. If we are representing a culture, it’s important that we have done our due diligence to ensure it is done so authentically.

“By rectifying inappropriate cultural stereotypes, we’re adding to the production’s heritage and making it richer.

“Art must evolve to speak to our times, which is why our Drosselmeyer will be played by male and female dancers.

“I made this change after considering who our heroes are in ballets, and it struck me that there was nothing about this role that suggested only a man could deliver it.”

Scottish Ballet said that in the era of the Black Lives Matter movement, it has made the commitment to tackling racism within the industry by becoming a more visible, active ally to people and organisations who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to the cause.

Last year, Scottish Ballet reviewed its production of The Snow Queen and said it found there was an opportunity to better represent Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) culture within the work, adjusting costumes, props and choreography as a result of that process.

The Nutcracker will tour Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, Newcastle and Belfast between December 2021 and February 2022.