The Nutcracker is one of the most renowned Russian ballets that are still performed today. It is based on the 1861 story written by E. T. A. Hoffmann, in which the lead character Marie Stahlbaum ventures into a magical dream world with her favorite Christmas toy, the Nutcracker. The Nutcracker comes as a hero to rescue Marie, his damsel in distress, and takes her away by defeating the seven-headed Mouse King. This story was so loved even then, that in 1891 it was turned into ballet form by the legendary choreographer Marius Petipa and with the help of fellow choreographer Lev Ivanov and by commissioning the famous compose Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky to write the music, The Nutcracker Ballet came into being.

In 1892 The Nutcracker show was first put on for the world to see at the Mariinsky Theatre of Russia. From then on, The Nutcracker has come to be known as one of the most popular ballets in the world. It includes some of Tchaikovsky’s best musical compositions, including “Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy”, “Waltz of the Flowers” and “March”. The music was way ahead of its time then and a newly discovered instrument, the celesta. A point to be noted is that the Nutcracker Ballet that we see today is based more on a revision of the original story by Alexander Dumas.

The Nutcracker Ballet is performed in two acts and three scenes. The scenes follow the journey Marie through her fairy-tale Christmas adventure in a magical world. The Nutcracker show made its way to Europe and America in the 1930’s and the 1940’s, first performed in America at the San Francisco Ballet and choreographed by W. Christensen. There are many variations and versions of The Nutcracker Ballet now including many animated, musical comedy, pop and jazz versions. There is also an upcoming feature-length film being made on the story with changed character names but following the same story. It is due to come out in the holiday season of 2009.

The Nutcracker Ballet is always a pleasure to watch, although it is traditionally watched during the Christmas holiday season. The most recent showings of The Nutcracker for 2008 are at the Nashville Ballet, the Kirov Ballet and the Long Beach Ballet for December 2008. Tickets to The Nutcracker Ballet show are on sale and available now and discounted tickets to The Nutcracker shows and tours are available online. The Nutcracker is a must-see show for anyone who hasn’t seen it, so don’t miss the chance to go and experience it for yourself and your family!