Ballet
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is the ballet families see together every holiday season. It is full of a growing Christmas tree, dancing sweets, and a toy that turns into a prince. If you have ever hummed along to a ballet without knowing it, this is probably the one.
Fast facts
- Composer
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
- Choreographer
- Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov
- Premiere
- 1892, Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg
- Structure
- Two acts
- Running time
- About 2 hours with an interval
The story
On Christmas Eve, a girl named Clara receives a nutcracker doll from her mysterious godfather Drosselmeyer. That night the nutcracker comes to life and leads toy soldiers in a battle against the Mouse King. After the victory, the nutcracker turns into a prince and takes Clara on a journey through a snowy forest to the Land of Sweets. There the Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes them with a parade of dances from around the world.
What The Nutcracker is famous for
- the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
- the Waltz of the Flowers
- the growing Christmas tree
- holiday season traditions
Companies that perform The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is in the repertoire of companies including New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, Mariinsky Ballet, The Australian Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, Ballet Nacional de Cuba.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it a holiday tradition?
The story is set on Christmas Eve and full of gifts, snow, and sweets, so companies around the world stage it every December as a family outing.
Is it good for young children?
Yes. It is one of the most child friendly ballets, with a fairy tale story, colorful costumes, and plenty of magic to keep little ones watching.
Who is the Sugar Plum Fairy?
She is the ruler of the Land of Sweets who welcomes Clara and the prince. Her solo, danced to the twinkling celesta, is one of the most recognizable pieces in all of ballet.
Who composed The Nutcracker?
The Nutcracker was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
How long is The Nutcracker?
The Nutcracker runs about 2 hours with an interval.