The Nutcracker Ballet

The “Nutcracker Ballet” tells the story of a little girl named Clara whose family are entertaining friends at a Christmas party.  Clara’s godfather, Drosselmeyer, gives her a Prince Nutcracker with massive jaws, and she is entranced with the toothy character.  Later that night, when Clara is sleeping, she dreams that an army of mice, lead by a giant Mouse King attack the Nutcracker.  The Mouse King and the Nutcracker have a battle with clashing swords.  Just as the Mouse King is winning the duel with the Nutcracker, Clara throws her slipper at the Mouse King and he falls dead at her feet.  The Nutcracker is then magically transformed into a handsome Prince who takes Clara into the Land of Snow and to the Kingdom of Sweets where she is entertained by the Sugar Plum Fairy, Mother Ginger, Flower Maidens and many other delightful characters.

There are more than two million people who see live productions of the Nutcracker Ballet on stage each year, and millions more see it on television or on the movie screen.  Add to this the many dancers who perform in the ballet and people who are involved in the production of each performance, and you will have thousands and thousands more.  It takes many people to accomplish such a gigantic task:  dancers, teachers, musicians, costumers, make-up artists, lighting technicians, ticket takers, program editors….the list goes on and on.  Each person in the cast and each member of the production crew will dedicate several months each year to this ballet.  Just think of the many miles traveled by parents driving their children to all the rehearsals and performances!!!