The Nutcracker

I have loved ballet ever since I was a little girl.  The first ballet I ever saw was The Nutcracker when I was 8 years old.  It is such a beautiful story with the most wonderful music.  Tchaikovsky is my favourite composer.  Last week, after exams, I decided to treat myself to a performance of The Nutcracker.  

I went to the box office of the Four Season Centre for the Performing Arts (where the National Ballet of Canada and the Canadian Opera Company perform) and bought a rush ticket.  I was lucky enough to get an orchestra seat for only one third of the price!!  

If you arrive 45 minutes before the show, there is a story time for the audience.  An adult Marie and her brother Misha (in the National Ballet of Canada's version, both Marie and Misha go on an adventure with the nutcracker) reminisce about their adventures and explain some of the ballet choreography.  I thought that this was really helpful for children (and adults) who were new to the story and/or the ballet.   

I can never decide what my favourite part is of The Nutcracker.  I love the dance of the snow maidens, the dance of the flowers, and the duet with the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker.  I also really like how The Nutcracker incorporates the little dancers from the ballet school - I especially love the little lambs!

The Nutcracker is great for children or those who are new to the ballet.  It is beautiful and has lots of little funny scenes.  Every ballet company has their own unique spin on the story.  The National Ballet of Canada choose to set their production in Imperial Russia.  This makes for incredible costumes and scenery - the Sugar Plum Fairy lives in a Fabergé egg!

The Nutcracker ballet is always so dear to my heart and I treasure both times I have seen the ballet.

Have you ever seen The Nutcracker Ballet?
xoxo M