2002 marked the 110th year of Nutcracker ballet performances!

The Nutcracker Ballet is based on the book called ``The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" written by German author E.T.A. Hoffman (1776-1822). It was published in 1816 as a rather morbid, depressing story. It was revised by French author Alexander Dumas Pere (1802-1870)  in 1844 to appeal to children.

In 1891, the legendary choreographer Marius Petipa (1819-1910) commissioned Russian-born composer Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) to write the music for the Nutcracker Ballet. He heard the celesta, a keyboard instrument with an ethereal sound and patented in 1886, and was one of the first to compose for it.

On December 19, 1892, the first showing of the Nutcracker took place at the Mariinsky Theatre of Russia, home of the Kirov Ballet with choreography by Petipa/Ivanov, music by Tchaikovsky and decor by Botcharov. The Sugar Plum Fairy was portrayed by Antoinette dell'era and the Prince was Paul Gerdt.

The Nutcracker made its way to Western Europe in the 1930's and to America in 1940 when a shortened version was debuted by the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in the United States.

The Nutcracker has since become an annual Holiday tradition. Even within the same ballet company, each year is unique because of different dancers playing different roles. But it’s always a gorgeous, delight and something ni holiday season can be complete without seeing.

The Nutcracker Ballet - The Story

ACT I

Scene 1

The house of a well-to-do family in old Germany

The Silberhaus household is engaged in a merry Christmas celebration. Clara and her brother, Fritz, play with their friends as more guests arrive. Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara’s godfather, arrives to surprise everyone with his magic tricks and dolls. He turns several dolls into life-size Columbine, Harlequin Clown, and Toy Soldiers dancers. Drosselmeyer then produces his special gift for Clara – the Nutcracker. Fritz snatches the doll and breaks the Nutcracker’s jaw. Drosselmeyer binds the Nutcracker for Clara. The party ends and the guests depart. Clara leaves her Nutcracker in a cradle and goes to bed. Herr Drosselmeyer returns after everyone has left and permanently mends the Nutcracker. He places the doll beneath the Christmas tree.

Scene 2

Clara cannot sleep, so she goes to the Nutcracker doll for comfort. She sleeps and in her dreams, hears strange creatures around the Christmas tree. They are giant mice, subjects of the Mouse King! Drosselmeyer appears, and in his magic causes the dream to become more real. Clara bravely confronts the mice, and the now life-sized Nutcracker springs into action. The Nutcracker assembles a squadron of toy soldiers to fight the army of mice and the Mouse King. The tide of battle appears to favor the Mouse King and the Nutcracker is threatened, but at a crucial moment, a daring rabbit pulls the mouse’s tail and Clara throws her slipper at him. The Mouse King is so distracted by his rage that the Nutcracker defeats him.

Scene 3

In the Christmas Forest

Herr Drosselmeyer next uses his magic to bring forth a beautiful Christmas forest. He invites Clara to enter a land of enchanted dreams. The Snow Queen and King and their dancing snowflakes guide Clara through the moonlit countryside to the Kingdom of Sweets.

ACT II

The court of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Kingdom of Sweets

Clara arrives at the court of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Kingdom of Sweets. There, she is met by the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Attendants and then by the Sugar Plum Fairy herself. Beautiful dancers representing many kinds of sweets and peoples dance in Clara’s honor. Dancers in Spanish, Arabian, and Chinese costumes represent chocolate, coffee, and tea. Candy Canes, Toy Flutes and Bon Bon Clowns also dance exciting steps. Finally, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier dance a special Pas de Deux for Clara. Clara’s dream fades away as the inhabitants dance a grand waltz and bid her farewell.

Back to Top