5 Reasons Why The Nutcracker is a Holiday Favorite
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker© at Pacific Northwest Ballet is the Northwest’s favorite festive tradition! But what makes this ballet so beloved? Read on to learn five reasons why The Nutcracker is a holiday favorite!
1. Tchaikovsky’s Enchanting Score
The Nutcracker, written in 1891, was composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s final ballet. The score was immediately popular, praised for its charming melodies and rich details. Tchaikovsky himself was especially delighted with his use of the celesta, a newly invented keyboard instrument; you can hear its twinkly, “heavenly” notes in the iconic Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The renowned Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra plays the score live at every show; in fact, by the end of this year’s Nutcracker performances, founding members of the PNB Orchestra will have played approximately 1,339 Nutcrackers!
2. A Cast of Magical Characters
The enchanted world of The Nutcracker is home to a cast of memorable characters, each one with music, costumes, and movement that makes them unique. With beloved personalities like the mysterious godfather Drosselmeier, the gregarious Mother Ginger, and the lively Dewdrop, it’s hard to choose a favorite! The star of the show is Clara, danced by a PNB School student, so young dancers in the audience see themselves onstage.
3. Epic Performances by PNB Company Dancers
Pacific Northwest Ballet dancers shine in The Nutcracker. In the second act of the ballet, there are many moments for individual dancers to show off their skills. Candy Cane’s thrilling leaps, Coffee’s impressive flexibility, and Sugar Plum Fairy’s dramatic display of balance are just a few! The Snowflakes’ whirlwind performance at the end of the first act is equally impressive. Many dancers move quickly in synch to create a snowstorm onstage.
4. Ian Falconer’s Charming Sets and Costumes
Children’s book author Ian Falconer designed the sets and costumes for Pacific Northwest Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. Falconer and the rest of the creative team poured whimsy and cheer into every detail of the show, from the Mouse King’s one gold tooth to the 40-foot-tall Christmas tree. These bright, colorful, and beautifully detailed sets transport audiences to the cheery Land of the Sweets!
5. An Annual Tradition with Friends and Family
Washingtonians come to see The Nutcracker year after year. The gorgeous costumes and scenery, impressive performances by PNB Company dancers, and picture-perfect lobby create an experience that’s fun for everyone, young and old! Everyone has their own special traditions at The Nutcracker, from nibbling on a delicious mouse cookie to snapping a family photo at the tree.
