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The company has made headlines around the world since announcing subtle, but important changes were being made to its version of the 19th century, which it first staged in 1972.

Scottish Ballet has overhauled the costumes and choreography in the sequences depicting Chinese and Arabian culture, as well as having some of its female dancers, play the key role of the magician Drosselmeyer for the first time in its history.

Artistic director Christopher Hampson has admitted the company would not have been discussing making such changes in its shows five years ago, but insisted art had to speak to our times.

He insisted making key changes to The Nutcracker this year would add to and strengthen the heritage of the show, which has just opened at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh and will go on tour around the UK next year.

In the wake of the Black Lives Matter move, Scottish Ballet publicly admitted its 50-year history includes outdated and racist artistic content.

The company, which has set up an equality and diversity steering group, has previously pledged to ensure better representation of the Gypsy, Romany and Traveller communities in The Snow Queen after reviewing previous depictions.

It has surveyed all of its staff, dancers and board members on anti-racism issues and also held anti-racism workshops.

An article published on Scottish Ballet's website last year stated: Through scrutinising our own history, understanding and accepting the ways in which Scottish Ballet has been part of and benefited from institutional and systemic racism, we hope to encourage others to do the same.

When the changes to The Nutcracker were announced last month, the company said they were being made to ensure it remains relevant today and for the future.

An article in the official programme for the show recalls how The Nutcracker had historically perpetuated racial stereotypes and even yellowface, adding the production had often been played for laughs, involving pointy finger movements, Fu Manchu moustaches, rice paddy hat and a long ponytail hairstyle called a queue, all often worn by white performers.

Mr Hampson states: Art has to reflect who we are, it has to help build empathy for people.

"When we put stereotypes on stage again and again, we are complicit in recreating those stereotypes.

"Why don't we play against that type, create something new, innovate or try new stories?

"Ive heard arguments that were taking something away [by making changes], but I just dont buy that.

"By rectifying inappropriate cultural stereotypes, were adding to the productions heritage, were strengthening it.

"Long after me, this production has a life and will continue and Im sure it will evolve again for the next few decades. Thats how art survives it evolves to speak to our times.

"I dont think wed have been having this conversation even five years ago.

"Within the wider art form, things like diversity and inclusion are only beginning to be discussed. If we see racist stereotypes or if we hear about racism within the ballet world, we need to be addressing it.

Read more:
Scottish Ballet rejects censorship claims over changes to The Nutcracker - The Scotsman