"The Nutcracker" is a holiday classic loved by kids and adults alike, and the ballet tells the tale of a young girl, Clara, who journeys to The Land of Sweets, where she witnesses beautiful performances. The whimsical story is set to music by classical composer Peter Tchaikovsky, resulting in a show that's a treat for the eyes and the ears. If you're attending a Nutcracker performance by a local dance studio this Christmas season, find out what to expect below.

The History of "The Nutcracker"

"The Nutcracker" ballet is based on the story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by E.T.A. Hoffman. Alexandre Dumas Père adapted the story for dance and Tchaikovsky wrote the musical score.

The ballet's first performance took place in St. Petersburg's Imperial Mariinsky Theatre in 1892, one week before Christmas. The ballet premiered outside of Russia in 1934 and was first performed in the United States by The San Francisco Ballet in 1944. By the mid-1900s, the festive show had become a popular staple in many Western countries.

"The Nutcracker" Highlights

The story of "The Nutcracker" is broken into two main parts. Act I depicts Clara and her family on Christmas Eve, engaging in their usual traditions. It features country-style dances that would have been typical to upper-middle-class families during Russia's imperial period. In this first act, Clara receives a gift from her godfather—a nutcracker. She then drifts off, paving the way for the second act.

Act II depicts Clara's dream world, in which she's a princess and the nutcracker a prince. This is where the performances get an element of fantasy to them, as Clara and the Prince arrive in the Land of the Sweets. Notable performances include The Waltz of the Flowers and The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Experience the magic of "The Nutcracker" this holiday season with Hudson Conservatory of Ballet in Ohio. The show is appropriate for all ages—and might just inspire your child to try ballet themselves. This dance studio offers beginner to advanced courses for kids aged two and up, providing personalized instruction that gives each child the attention they need to thrive. You can get your ticket to "The Nutcracker" online or call (330) 474-081 to find out more about the dance studio.