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School of Ballet

Nutcracker 101

A No-Nonsense Guide to Maximizing Enjoyment of the Classic Holiday Ballet

"For many The Nutcracker is their first introduction to classical music and ballet," explains Irine Fokine. "There is something to delight everyone in this simple tale of a young girl who receives a Nutcracker doll from her mysterious uncle and is swept away on a fantastic adventure."

"The heart of the Nutcracker is actually a wonderful dream experienced by the heroine, a young girl named Clara," points out Ms. Fokine. "Having drifted off to sleep with the sights, sounds, and aromas of the Christmas party still dancing in her head, Clara draws the audience into her fantasy of dancing sweets and delicacies. In the court of the Sugar Plum Fairy, audiences will savor with Clara the sensuous Arabian dancers, the whimsical Chinese duet, the spectacular Russian dancer, the fiery Spanish duet, the charming merletons, and of course, the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy herself."

Although no preparation is needed to fully enjoy the Nutcracker, children will delight in becoming familiar with the story before they see the production. Ms.Fokine advises checking local libraries for Nutcracker picture books. Older children will enjoy the original story of German writer E.T.A. Hoffman. Another way to build excitement and anticipation for the production is to play the delightful music from the ballet composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

The youngest children will be mesmerized by the magical happenings that unfold on stage. Ms. Fokine offers some clues to pique their interest:

"What happens to the Christmas Tree after Clara goes to sleep?

How many dolls come to life when Herr Drosselmeyer enters the stage?

Watch Mother Ginger and be prepared to count when she reveals her surprise.

Pay attention to the owl clock to know when something extraordinary is about to take place."

The Nutcracker can truly become a family affair, says Ms. Fokine, with something to appeal to everyone. The glittery Christmas Eve party that opens each performance has dazzled audiences for generations. The bravery of young Clara, the heroine, is something that will resonate with both boys and girls alike. Young and old will thrill to the excitement of the battle scene between the mice and toy soldiers and everyone will applaud when the Mouse King is defeated.

Make the Nutcracker a family affair. There is something in the Fokine Ballet Company’s production to appeal to every generation. Most importantly, Ms. Fokine notes, make The Nutcracker a cherished holiday tradition in your own family.

Last modified: August , 2004


Home Ticket Information Directions Who's Who? Nutcracker 101 School of Ballet	Nutcracker 101
	A No-Nonsense Guide to Maximizing Enjoyment of the Classic Holiday Ballet

		"For many The Nutcracker is their first introduction to classical music and ballet," explains Irine Fokine. "There is something to delight everyone in this simple tale of a young girl who receives a Nutcracker doll from her mysterious uncle and is swept away on a fantastic adventure."

	"The heart of the Nutcracker is actually a wonderful dream experienced by the heroine, a young girl named Clara," points out Ms. Fokine. "Having drifted off to sleep with the sights, sounds, and aromas of the Christmas party still dancing in her head, Clara draws the audience into her fantasy of dancing sweets and delicacies. In the court of the Sugar Plum Fairy, audiences will savor with Clara the sensuous Arabian dancers, the whimsical Chinese duet, the spectacular Russian dancer, the fiery Spanish duet, the charming merletons, and of course, the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy herself."

	Although no preparation is needed to fully enjoy the Nutcracker, children will delight in becoming familiar with the story before they see the production. Ms.Fokine advises checking local libraries for Nutcracker picture books. Older children will enjoy the original story of German writer E.T.A. Hoffman. Another way to build excitement and anticipation for the production is to play the delightful music from the ballet composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The youngest children will be mesmerized by the magical happenings that unfold on stage. Ms. Fokine offers some clues to pique their interest:
	"What happens to the Christmas Tree after Clara goes to sleep?
	How many dolls come to life when Herr Drosselmeyer enters the stage?
	Watch Mother Ginger and be prepared to count when she reveals her surprise.
	Pay attention to the owl clock to know when something extraordinary is about to take place."

	The Nutcracker can truly become a family affair, says Ms. Fokine, with something to appeal to everyone. The glittery Christmas Eve party that opens each performance has dazzled audiences for generations. The bravery of young Clara, the heroine, is something that will resonate with both boys and girls alike. Young and old will thrill to the excitement of the battle scene between the mice and toy soldiers and everyone will applaud when the Mouse King is defeated. Make the Nutcracker a family affair. There is something in the Fokine Ballet Company’s production to appeal to every generation. Most importantly, Ms. Fokine notes, make The Nutcracker a cherished holiday tradition in your own family.





	Last modified: August , 2004