By PIP SWINGER | Staff Reporter
The holiday season is a prime chance to establish new traditions and sample the arts, and one of the most magical spectacles available would be that of The Nutcracker. The ballet features a fantastical story, enchanting music, and stunning performances specific to the holiday season and overall unforgettable experience. The ballet has been wooing people for over a hundred years now, and is sure to captivate all ages.
The heart of the performance is of course its iconic musical score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, a track so memorable it has become synonymous with the holidays. From the magical Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies to the Waltz of the Flowers, Tchaikovsky’s music is an essential background to the radiant performance that enhances every moment of the otherwise silent show. But of course the music is only a part of the theatrical experience, the ballet’s story is yet another justification for its popularity in both seasonal and classical media. The story is that of a young girl, typically named Clara, who goes on a wondrous journey on the night of Christmas Eve, featuring battles between knight and king, meetings with fairies, and a lively performance from every character Truly this performance is a testament to all who perform it, their skill and creativity in production is often what really makes the nutcracker so special as a holiday tradition. The visual spectacle is nothing to scoff at, a good chunk of production goes into producing vivid costumes and elaborate set design, all of it intricate and unique to the theater it is performed at. Beyond its value as entertainment, The Nutcracker offers a chance to experience live music and a classical art form that has inspired generations of performers and touched millions of viewers worldwide. For any new to the art form The Nutcracker provides an excellent introduction to the world of live performance, where the passion of the performers is evident in every scene they dedicate themselves to.
As more than a Holiday show, The Nutcracker has already proven itself to be a timeless tradition, a celebration of art, and a chance to experience a beauty that connects millions of people who watch it every year. Whether it be your first or twentieth time watching, The Nutcracker is a gift of awe and joy you can give yourself this year.