Going to see The Nutcracker is a cherished holiday tradition for many of us, myself included. While I love going to the ballet for any production, there is something special about The Nutcracker. The theatre is decorated festively, with trees, presents, and ribbons, not to mention nutcrackers. And there are so many excited children who have been waiting how long to see it. However, this year most of us won’t actually be able to see it in person. I’m sharing my favourite ways to enjoy your Nutcracker tradition this year, even if you can’t see it live!
The History of The Nutcracker Ballet
The Nutcracker ballet premiered on December 17th, 1892 in St. Petersburg- Tsar Alexander III commissioned it from the Imperial Ballet. Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov choreographed the production, though it didn’t receive the same reception a Petipa work usually did. The critics and audience alike panned the production, for a very late start after an opera, a chaotic battle scene, and too many children throughout.
George Balanchine revived the tradition in the 1950s in the US, though. With famous dancers like Maria Tallchief as the Sugar Plum Fairy, lavish sets, and gorgeous costumes, The Nutcracker quickly became a beloved holiday tradition in North America, then spreading to New Zealand, Australia, and the rest of Europe. Many companies perform the classic Balanchine production, but there are also countless regional versions, as well. The Nutcracker is usually a guaranteed success for ballet companies, and often provides the majority of their profits for the year.
You can find my full history of The Nutcracker post here!
Decorating with Nutcrackers
Nutcrackers have become very popular Christmas decorations, as you might imagine. You can buy nutcracker ornaments, nutcracker water bottles, nutcracker dog toys, nutcracker salt and pepper shakers, and the list goes on! (You can see my favourite nutcracker mugs and coasters here- I’m not immune either.) Nutcrackers can be a fun element to add to your holiday decorations. You can find pretty much any kind of nutcracker you could imagine. Classic nutcrackers dressed as soldiers are common, of course. However, you can also find skiing nutcrackers, fisherman nutcrackers, sporting nutcrackers (with the appropriate team), Lego nutcrackers. You name it, there is a nutcracker for you. I love seeing them as decorations because they are a very visual signifier that the holiday season is upon us.
I’m also taking a stab at painting my own nutcracker, which has been a fun project in an otherwise odd holiday season. I bought the nutcracker pre-assembled, and have been slowly painting it. It is slightly tougher than I thought it will be, and I”m currently about to start doing touch ups and details, but it is a fun and festive DIY project.
Watching the Nutcracker
I would be completely remiss if I didn’t make my best attempt at helping you watch The Nutcracker this year. If you are reading this in 2020 (or possibly even 2021, because I don’t know what the world will look like then), there is a very high chance that you can’t see The Nutcracker performed live this year. I know that some companies are performing shorter excerpts and streaming them/ offering limited seating. However, there aren’t many companies doing that, and we still run the risk of theatres being shut down again or personally needing to isolate. Streaming would be the safest choice!
If you haven’t looked at Marquee TV, now is the perfect time. It is an arts and culture streaming service, and you have a 7 day free trial when you first sign up- you will be able to watch the Royal Ballet’s 2015 Nutcracker for free. (And from the comfort and safety of your own home!) And if you aren’t a streaming person, there are always DVDs. You can find the Royal Ballet’s version, the Bolshoi Ballet’s, and the New York City Ballet’s on DVD; I would recommend ordering now to make sure you have it. There are also a few older versions, if you want to see some of the big names of the past. In any case, The Nutcracker is available! (I know it isn’t the same as seeing it live, but it is still enjoyable.)
Holiday Traditions
Something I really want to emphasise this year is that no matter where you are or who you are with, you can still enjoy your holiday traditions. You might need a little bit of creativity, and out of the box thinking, but they can still continue. If you have a favourite tradition that doesn’t seem to “work” right now, feel free to send me an email or a DM, and I will do my best to help find a way to celebrate it this year!
If you are looking for traditions to start, big and small, my An Historian’s Christmas guide has several of my favourite holiday recipes and DIYs for the holidays. I have all the historical inspiration you will need for your holiday season, including decorating ideas, book recommendations, and traditions to start. This year can be an incredible and special holiday season for you, no matter where you are or who you are with! You can purchase it here!
How are you going to enjoy your Nutcracker tradition this year?
Cheers,
The Historian
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