THE NUTCRACKER
The Ballet Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovksy
Choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov
Every year during the Christmas season, thousands of children and their parents visit the theatre. Whatever the city, the objective is the same: to see The Nutcracker, considered a holiday classic all over the world. Since it’s not possible to gather in the theatre this year, the Kingsport Ballet and NPAC are bringing The Nutcracker to you virtually!
The Nutcracker is a story ballet performed in two acts, based on the German tale, The Nutcracker and the King of Mice. Pyotr Tchaikovsky, a prominent composer already famous for his ballet scores of Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty, set it to music. It was choreographed by the legendary Marius Petipa.
The Nutcracker gives us a glimpse of old-world tradition. It provides the warmth, laughter, and delight of a family celebration, while interweaving fantasy and mystery to create a tale that everyone can enjoy.
Most of us have had a time in our lives when we have felt ugly or unimportant, but then someone comes along who believes in us, and loves us for who we are, not what we look like or what we can do. This person becomes our hero or heroine, forever holding a special place in our hearts, and we want to do whatever we can to honor them and make them feel special in return. Clara in The Nutcracker is just such a heroine. When everyone else sees the Nutcracker as a worthless, ugly, wooden doll, in Clara’s imagination, he is instead a true, kind-hearted hero. She loves him with all of her heart, and because she shows kindness to him, he gives her the most beautiful Christmas gift that she receives: the gift of a glorious dream. Watch along and you will discover the wonderful tale of The Nutcracker.
