Performing arts theater

For many, going to the see the ballet, The Nutcracker, is a holiday tradition. I realize that some in our audience have never been to a ballet before. Here are some fast facts about The Nutcracker that will help you enjoy the ballet as well as impress your friends with your knowledge of trivia.

There’s a Curse: The Nutcracker Prince finds himself imprisoned in a little doll. When a beautiful young girl falls in love with him, then the spell will be broken.

There’s Magic: Drosselmeyer is both a magician and a maker of toys. He presents the Nutcracker doll to Clara.

It’s Old: The Nutcracker was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia on December 19, 1892.

Listen Carefully: Tchaikovsky used the production of The Nutcracker to introduce a new instrument to audiences: the celesta. He had heard the instrument in France and wanted to be the first bring its distinctive and new sound to a production score. This piano cousin puts out a high octave sound that makes the dum, dum, dum, dum, dum, dum sound unique.

The Sugar Plum Fairy Throws a Good Party: Some of the best dancing takes place near the end of the ballet when the characters visit the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. While there, dancers from all over the world entertain Clara and company. This showcase of dance has made this moment a fan favorite

The First Production Had Problems: The ballet featured two choreographers. Lev Ivanov started the work and later Marius Petipa was brought in to finish it. Peter Tchaikovsky created the score but thought the ballet was a failure. Audiences agreed and the production was called a flop.

From a Flop to a Hit: Despite the disappointing debut, The Nutcracker continued to be performed and it eventually reached Europe in 1934 and American shores in 1944. A decade later, George Balanchine brought his interpretation of the production to the New York City Ballet. There it became a holiday favorite which helped inspire other productions around the world. Today, there are countless presentations of The Nutcracker, which range from the traditional to extremely modern interpretations.