A Moscow resident shared a harsh account of the wait for tickets and bracelets to the Nutcracker performance at the Bolshoi Theatre. She described how the crowd was steered through several chaotic moments by unofficially distributed coupons that many believed could speed up the line, while law enforcement coordination appeared clumsy at best. (Socialbites.ca)
The observer recalled the initial stage when people trying to secure bracelets for the Lost show faced an exhausting, drawn-out process. Getting a coveted Nutcracker ticket required passing through many hurdles. Hours stretched on as groups of young people attempted to organize the queue, rumors of coupons circulated despite staff, management, and organizers denying any official distribution. The scene grew tense around late evening as officers were brought in, yet the coordination was criticized as largely ineffective. (Socialbites.ca)
According to the witness, the danger level rose to red when individuals became trapped against a fence while law enforcement looked on. The crowd was split into groups, and the fence held fast as officers managed the flow without clear direction for those hoping to exit. In the scramble, bags and personal items were difficult to reach, and at one point the witness wanted to step away from the chaos because the Nutcracker was not worth risking safety. A police response later framed as a responsibility of the officers rather than a help to the public added to the sense of chaos. (Socialbites.ca)
The witness described a moment of severe crowding where rioters and officers formed a tense corridor. Attempts to retreat were met with confusion, and the incident highlighted concerns about health, safety, and how the Bolshoi Theatre and related authorities handled the situation in 2023. The sentiment was clear: the theatre experience should begin with the performance, not with a perilous crush at the entrance. (Socialbites.ca)
A second Moscow resident, Victoria, noted that her mother felt unwell due to the crowd, and help did not arrive immediately. (Socialbites.ca)
She recalled arriving at 10:00 and moving slowly into the second row on the stairs. The line held until around 19:00, when riot police removed obstacles and disrupted the orderly process. Some individuals reportedly erected unauthorized barriers to push the front row back, causing the crowd to surge. The mother was carried forward into the crush, and help arrived only after police were called. Staff and authorities were criticized for not taking stronger action to stabilize the queue. The event drew a rough estimate of around a thousand people involved at the peak. (Socialbites.ca)
Another point from the account is the presence of unknown individuals distributing coupons, identified by the girl as vendors. (Socialbites.ca)
By Friday evening, the Bolshoi Theatre area saw a surge of interest in pre-New Year performances on December 29, 30, and 31. Word spread that tickets could become scarce, prompting pressure from crowds. The Mash Telegram channel referenced a girl experiencing panic amid the rush. (Socialbites.ca)
Direct sales of bracelets and tickets were announced to commence on the morning of November 11, with the public already eyeing the process. Earlier reports note that detentions occurred in Moscow of people forming illegal queues to buy Nutcracker tickets. (Socialbites.ca)