Hi guys!
This time for some good news, I’ll be sharing a Christmas tradition fondly shared by many families: watching The Nutcracker ballet.
The Nutcracker ballet is a magical story that transcends dreams and reality. It tells the tale of a girl, Clara (or Marie, depending on the version) who is gifted a Nutcracker for Christmas by her mysterious godfather, Count Drosselmeyer. After a dance filled evening, Clara falls asleep in the living room, and here the wondrous begins. Clara shrinks down to a few inches tall, where she meets The Mouse King and his minions, who attack and surround Clara. She is saved when the Nutcracker comes to life, and leads an army of toy soldiers to defeat the mice. In a climactic battle scene, Clara distracts the Mouse King by hitting him with a slipper, and the Nutcracker deals the fatal blow. The Nutcracker then reveals himself to be the godfather’s nephew. Together, Clara and the nephew of Count Drosselmeyer. The two walk through a forest amidst dancing snowflakes, where Act II begins.
In the second and final act of the play, Clara and the nephew visit the Land of Sweets, where they meet a series of dancing treats - chocolate, mascarpone, and the graceful Sugar Plum Fairy, to name a few. The nephew recounts the great battle against the mice, and the story closes with the two flying on a sleigh into the night, before Clara awakes in her chair.
The Nutcracker ballet is considered by many to be among the most popular Christmas ballets. The story is a timeless classic, one that has been danced countless times since its premiere in 1892. It has become an annual tradition for many families, including mine. Countless theaters globally now show the holiday special to mark the transition into the new holiday season, and has proven itself to be a true staple and figurehead of Christmas.
Love that you were able to share your Nutcracker play experience with your family, this year. I remember when I was able to join you and your mom for the play. A treasured memory ❤️
:)