Famous across the world, "The Nutcracker" ballet is a staple holiday performance piece for dance studios. Filled with fantastical creatures and instantly recognizable music, it has a rich history. Here’s an explanation of where it came from and how it’s developed over the years.

Multicultural Origins

"The Nutcracker" started as a dark children’s story written by German author E.T.A. Hoffman in 1816. In 1844, Alexandre Dumas Père, the famous French author of "The Count of Monte Cristo" and "The Three Musketeers," adapted it into a less intense fairy tale. The choreographer of the Imperial Russian Ballet used this second version as the basis for a new play storyline, and Pyotr Tchaikovsky was commissioned to create the musical score in 1891.

Although some musical pieces had been performed earlier, the first presentation of the full ballet didn’t occur until December 1892. Unfortunately, due to in part to sickness among the company and poorly received set design, the initial performance was heavily critiqued. Tchaikovsky would pass away the next year, unaware that his last work would eventually become the most performed ballet in history.

History in America

Although the ballet wasn’t written as a holiday piece, its first performance in America also occurred in December. It was presented on Christmas Eve, 1944, by the San Francisco Ballet. This slightly modified version may have boosted interest in the ballet, but its current holiday popularity among theatergoers and dance studios is heavily attributed to New York Ballet choreographer George Balanchine’s reimagined 1954 version. 

In addition to new dance pieces, Balanchine spared no expense on lighting, costumes, and awe-inspiring scenery, such as realistic blizzards and an expanding Christmas tree. When adjusted for inflation, producing the new and improved "Nutcracker" cost the company more than $800,000. Positive reviews and sellout performances made it a permanent addition to the catalog. Now, it’s hard to imagine the Christmas season without a performance of this magical classic.

If you’re interested in learning more about dance, contact Elite Dance and Performing Arts in Woodland Hills, CA. This dance studio offers classes in a variety of disciplines, from ballet to hip-hop and jazz. Accepting students from 18 months through adulthood, their experienced instructors provide both recreational and competition-level curriculum. Call (818) 704-1490 with any questions, or learn more about this year’s performance of "The Nutcracker" ballet on their website.