The Nutcracker

The History....

The Nutcracker Ballet is based on the book called "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" written by E.T.A. Hoffman. In 1891, the legendary choreographer Marius Petipa commissioned Tchaikovsky to write the music for the Nutcracker Ballet. In 1892, the first showing of the Nutcracker took place at the Mariinsky Theatre of Russia, home of the Kirov Ballet.

The Nutcracker made its way to Western Europe in the 1930's and to America by 1940, performed by Ballet Russe. The first American full-length Nutcracker was performed by the San Francisco Ballet, choreographed by W. Christensen. The Nutcracker has since become an annual Holiday tradition.

The Story....

It is Christmas Eve at the von Stahlbaum home -- a large and grand house with the most beautiful tree imaginable! The von Stahlbaums are having their annual Christmas party and the children, Fritz and Clara, are incredibly excited to welcome their friends in their celebration of the holidays. As the party gets underway, Fritz and Clara's godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer arrives. He presents the children with two life-size dancing dolls to the delight of everyone at the party. As all of the children begin to open the gifts that Herr Drosselmeyer has brought, he presents his special gifts to Fritz and Clara. Although his gift to Fritz is quite nice, his gift to Clara, a beautiful Nutcracker in the richest of colors, dazzles the guests. Fritz, being a bit jealous and with a bit more spunk than a boy should have, grabs the Nutcracker from Clara and promptly breaks it. As a heartbroken Clara sobs into her mother's skirts, Drosselmeyer repairs the Nutcracker and returns it to her.

Later that evening, long after everyone has gone to bed, Clara sneaks back into the drawing room to check on her beloved Nutcracker. As she curls up under the tree with her Nutcracker by her side, she falls into a deep sleep, and begins to dream. Clara has visions of a tremendous Christmas tree that fills the room, and an army of mice led by a mighty Mouse King. The Nutcracker comes to life, and along with his troops of toy soldiers, engages the mice in battle. With Clara's help, the Nutcracker defeats the Mouse King. The Nutcracker is then transformed into a handsome prince who leads Clara through the Land of Snow and then on to the Palace of Sweets.

The Land of Snow

The Nutcracker Prince and Clara set out on a journey to a land of snow and enchanted forests where she is welcomed by dancing Snowflakes. The Snow Queen and King welcome her with an intricate dance, and she continues on to the Land of Sweets.

The Land of Sweets

In the land of sweets, Clara is honored with a celebration of exotic dances performed just for her by many magical characters. She is enchanted by the spectacular Pas De Deux performed by the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier, bringing her journey to a magical end. Clara awakens from her dream and finds herself by the tree, a little girl with her beloved toy Nutcracker once again.

Ballet de Seuss

A whimsical ballet montaging some of Dr. Seuss's greatest stories of all time!  A funtastical time for everyone!