A handful of things usher in hints of Christmas spirit within minutes this time of year.. holiday decor showing up at local stores, chilly mornings with a hint of frost on the windows, cinnamon scents wafting in the air at Starbucks, and the familiar refrain of The Nutcracker soundtrack showing up on commercials, reels, and Spotify radio! This classic holiday favorite has become a holiday tradition spanning many decades, cultures, and countries, and watching the beloved ballet story unfold afresh each year is an annual tradition that my family and I treasure.
Originating from Russia back in the late 19th century, The Nutcracker ballet’s story draws some origins from the classic book , The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, by German author E.T.A. Hoffman featuring aspects of the story we know and love today of Clara, her Nutcracker doll that turns into a Prince, and the magical dream that takes her on the adventure of defeating the Mouse King, traveling through a snow-filled wonderland, all to dance and interact with the Land of Sweets before waking up back in her cozy Christmas decor-filled home.
The ballet has evolved to become the traditional two-act ballet performed every holiday season by dance companies worldwide, adhering to some traditional storyline, but often taking on new form with modern, lyrical, jazz, and even exclusively tap dancing versions materializing!
The iconic musical score is by beloved ballet composer Tchaikovsky, and as mentioned in the previous post on Swan Lake, The Nutcracker is a part of the “Tchaikovsky trio” of famous ballets all set to his compositions. The music really does make this ballet the iconic holiday fixture that we know and love becoming some of the most recognizable classical music to date, especially at Christmas time!
Enjoy these lovely Nutcracker ballet video selections from several ballet companies across the globe, and follow along with the magic of the story, music, and dancing afresh, whether this is your first time seeing this ballet performed or the one hundredth!
The Nutcracker ballet epitomizes beautiful artistry and storytelling and the oh so holiday-spirit of allowing some Christmas wonderment to enter all our hearts and minds. Happy dancing, ballerinas, as you watch these clips and emulate with inspiration what you see!
Clara receives Nutcracker doll (start clip at 19:31)