The Nutcracker Ballet: A Favorite Holiday Tradition
A favorite holiday tradition for many, The Nutcracker Ballet heralds the festivities of the season. It is performed by a wide variety of ballet companies around the world during December, especially in the United States. In fact, major American ballet companies generate close to 40 percent of their annual revenues from The Nutcracker.
This classic Christmas story centers around a young girl named Marie who falls asleep during her family’s Christmas Eve celebration. In her dreams, she enters a world where toys come alive, including her beloved Nutcracker, who saves her from the Mouse King. Marie saves the Nutcracker’s life after which he turns into a Prince.
The musical score was composed by Pytor Tchaikovsky and has proven to be one of his most famous pieces. The libretto, or storyline, of the performance is based on The Nutcracker and the Mouse by E.T.A. Hoffman. This historical two-act ballet was originally performed in December 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia and has enjoyed incredible popularity since the 1960’s.
In the Silicon Valley and beyond, there are at least three companies performing The Nutcracker.
The San Francisco Ballet premiered The Nutcracker on Christmas Eve in 1944 and it has been a much anticipated holiday event ever since. With both matinee and evening performances running from December 16th through December 31st, the ballet can be enjoyed by those as young as five.
The Flint Center in Cupertino will have only two performances of The Nutcracker Ballet on December 18th. What makes these so special is that they will be performed by the notable Moscow Ballet, renown the world over for their ‘artistic excellence’. They travel to places like New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles, so having them in Cupertino makes a statement about the importance of the Silicon Valley. If you’d like to see this stunning presentation of The Nutcracker Ballet, you best get tickets soon.
With special family performances and tickets for as little as $25, the Silicon Valley Ballet, formerly Ballet San Jose, will hold performances at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts from December 12th through the 27th. Heather Desaulniers of CriticalDance.com says,
“This full-length holiday extravaganza is a thoughtful and fresh interpretation of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story, complete with elegant dancing and striking originality…a joy to watch.”
For those living in Atherton, any of these locations are within a half hour drive. The Nutcracker Ballet is a vibrant, uplifting and magical holiday experience for the entire family and a wonderful way to celebrate this special season.
