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Three reasons to see the Nutcracker ballet

Nothing sounds like the Nutcracker ballet at parties. The music is synonymous with the Christmas season, and the story is as popular as “The Night Before Christmas.” Not to mention that it is one of the most famous ballets of all time. This ballet has gained worldwide recognition due to the hundreds of performances that take place every year around the world.

the history

The story takes place on Christmas Eve when a family celebrates the holiday and decorates their tree. Clara and Fritz’s cunning godfather delivers the children their Christmas presents. When the children fall asleep, the girl dreams that a nutcracker comes to life. The Nutcracker and Clara go on an adventure and have to fight against people like the evil king of mice and his army of rodents. Subsequently, these two protagonists become a prince and a princess. This is a performance that weaves together artistic skill and storytelling as it is a wonderful story that is enhanced by music and dance.

music and dance

The Nutcracker ballet is a Russian stage play originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov in 1892 and composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. If he hasn’t seen the ballet, he may be familiar with Tchaikovsky’s time-tested score. The ballet is made up of dance techniques from the Spanish, Arab and Chinese cultures. The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy is also one of the most popular performances.

Space for Imagination and Interpretation

The plot of the Nutcracker ballet is open to the imagination due to the lack of spoken lines. Some interpretations allude to it being a coming-of-age story. In the story, Clara is a young teenager but she still shows childlike qualities. When she receives the gift from her godfather, she quickly clings to her beautiful doll. During her dream, she shows her bravery by saving the doll by throwing a shoe at the mouse king. Her dream leads her to create a fantasy in which the Nutcracker becomes a prince. From there, she sets out on a magical journey that can be seen as just as romantic as the two’s trip to the Kingdom of Sweets. This magical dream symbolizes Clara’s transition from a child to a young adult.

Above all, this is a story and a performance for theatergoers of all ages. Children can identify with the main characters and the magic of Christmas, while adults can appreciate Tchaikovsky’s historical score and mesmerizing dance numbers and choreography. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, this ballet is a show that demands multiple viewings.

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