The Nutcracker is one of the most recognizable ballets in the world. Telling the story of a young girl named Clara and her adventures on Christmas Eve, the show is often performed around Christmas time. It has become a beloved tradition for many dance studios and audiences alike. The following guide explains how the story came about and why you should encourage your child to be part of this magical performance.

What's the History of the Nutcracker Ballet?

The Nutcracker was first performed in 1892 at St. Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre. It featured a story originally written by E.T.A. Hoffmann and adapted by Alexandre Dumas Père, set to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, with choreography by Marius Petipa. While the ballet itself was not an immediate success, the shortened version of the music, the Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71A, was wildly popular.

In 1944, the Nutcracker was performed in America for the first time, using choreography by George Balanchine. It was performed by the San Francisco Ballet and would eventually make its way to New York City in 1954. The New York City Ballet’s performance brought a new wave of popularity, winning the Nutcracker its place as a beloved holiday. The performance is still enjoyed today by New York natives and tourists from all over the world. 

What Are the Benefits of Participating?

It’s common for ballet troupes and dance studios across the country to perform either the full Nutcracker ballet or an abridged version during the holidays. Participating has many benefits for young dancers. For example, your little dancer will have improved self-confidence after participating in a production with historical and cultural significance. They will also enhance their social skills and have fun as they dance alongside their peers. Your young performer will also get a chance to show off their abilities, leading to future roles in other productions.

If you’d like your child to be part of a dance studio and to have a chance to perform in The Nutcracker, turn to Melody Lane Dance, Music & Drama Academy in Yakima, WA. Serving the Upper Valley region for over 25 years, this non-competitive dance studio offers a wide range of dance classes, including ballet classes for all skill levels in their 10,000-square-foot facility. Call (509) 248-9623 to ask about their lessons, or visit them online to learn more about how they can help.