As the holiday season approaches, many families make it a tradition to attend a performance of the Nutcracker ballet. Whether it’s your first time seeing the ballet or you’re a seasoned veteran, understanding the history behind this beloved holiday classic can enhance your experience. Here’s an explanation of where it came from and how it’s developed in dance studios over the years.

The Origins

The Nutcracker’s origins can be traced back to a German fairy tale called “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” written by E.T.A. Hoffmann in 1816. The story follows young Marie, who receives a nutcracker doll from her godfather on Christmas Eve. 

That night, the Nutcracker comes to life and leads a battle against the evil Mouse King, ultimately transforming into a handsome prince. In 1844, Alexandre Dumas Père, the famous French author of "The Three Musketeers," adapted it into a less intense fairy tale. 

Russia

In 1892, Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was commissioned to create a score for a two-act ballet based on the second adaptation. The first performance took place at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, in December of that year. 

However, the ballet was not an immediate success and was only performed a handful of times during Tchaikovsky’s lifetime. One of the reasons the ballet was not well-received initially was due to the unconventional music. It had instruments not typically used in ballet, such as the celesta, which gives the ballet its iconic "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" tune.

Europe and America

It wasn’t until the 1930s that the Nutcracker began to gain popularity in Europe and the United States. Russian choreographer George Balanchine created his own version of the ballet for the New York City Ballet in 1954, which has since become a holiday staple in the United States. 

Today, the Nutcracker ballet is a beloved holiday tradition, with countless dance studios and companies performing their own unique versions of the ballet each year. It has also been adapted into many other forms, including movies, plays, and theme park rides. The Nutcracker’s timeless story and beautiful score have captured the hearts of audiences and will likely continue to do so for generations to come.

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.