For many of us, December is a whirlwind of shopping, wrapping, baking, visiting, card writing and many extra tasks associated with the holidays. What better time than this to indulge in an evening of fantasy and spectacle that the whole family will enjoy.
The Nutcracker ballet has long since been a festive tradition in cities all over the world. Children and adults alike look forward to attending a performance of this delightful ballet; often as a yearly Christmas tradition. Professional dance companies in numerous locations offer performances of The Nutcracker but some cities are now offering community productions, which invite local children and dancers to participate.
These community performances, although an incredible amount of work, can be an unforgettable experience for the “aspiring” ballet dancer and an intimate and personal treat for the audience. Who wouldn’t be proud to watch their little angels perform in such a holiday production? Of course, professional dancers or dance teachers would still be required for the lead roles but there are plenty of opportunities for a local dance community to become involved.
The Nutcracker, a ballet in two acts, is based on the book, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffman. http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/hoffman.htm The ballet version, however, is far removed from the original story which the author had not intended suitable for children. Russian composer, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, (1840-1893) http://www.kirovballet.com/tchaikov.html provided the music for this ballet. Tchaikovsky is also the composer of another ballet score, “Swan Lake”.
Originally choreographed by Leo Ivanov, Balanchine http://www.sab.org/bio/biobalanchine.htm and Nureyev http://www.culturekiosque.com/dance/revi... have also choreographed versions of The Nutcracker.
THE NUTCRACKER STORY
Canada’s Royal Winnipeg ballet http://www.rwb.org/season/nutcracker.html is known for its productions of the Nutcracker and have done both the Christmas version and a birthday party story where Clara receives the Nutcracker as a birthday gift.
THE CHRISTMAS NUTCRACKER
The ballet opens as the Stahlbaum family celebrates Christmas by having an elaborate party complete with numerous guests bearing gifts. The children’s godfather, arrives with life-size dancing dolls, much to the delight of everyone at the party.
His gift for Clara is an exquisite Nutcracker doll. Her brother, Fritz, breaks it in a fit of jealousy so her godfather attempts to fix it for Clara. Later that evening, when everyone is asleep, Clara sneaks downstairs to check on her doll. It is then that strange things begin to happen.
The tree grows to monumental size as the Mouse King and his soldiers arrive. The Nutcracker, who has also come to life, tries to fight off the Mouse King and his men with his own battalion of soldiers. The Mouse King is victorious and captures Clara and the Nutcracker.
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