It was evident from a very young age that Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) had a heightened sense for music. Upon entering his bedroom one evening his governess found the nervous child in tears: “It’s this music!” he cried, although she heard nothing. “Get rid of it for me!” Tchaikovsky pointed to his head, […]
Win It! The Nutcracker Illustrated by Valeria Docampo Simon & Schuster; 40 pages; $17.99 Inspired by New York City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, this beautiful picture book captures the magic of the beloved holiday classic. The retelling of the story, paired with Valeria Docampo’s illustrations, makes for an instant heartwarming read. Enter […]
Last year, the Joffrey Ballet premiered a brand-new Nutcracker, retiring Robert Joffrey’s original production. It was a big deal—it cost $4 million to create, and celebrated choreographer Christopher Wheeldon was at the helm. Now, a year later—and just in time for the holidays, so you can get your Nutcracker fix from in front of your […]
Debbie Allen’s The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker (2010) fuses ballet with tap, flamenco, hip hop and gymnastics in fantastical settings such as Candy Cane Land, Jazzland and the Land of the Kimono Dolls. The Hip Hop Nutcracker (2014) is set in New York City and juxtaposes Tchaikovsky’s classical score with hip-hop choreography created by Jennifer Weber, […]
For many dancers, performing in some version of The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition—albeit an inescapable, monthlong one that can quickly grow tedious. But for Pacific Northwest Ballet principal Noelani Pantastico, it’s a welcome return to her roots. After an 11-year career with PNB, where she annually performed Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak’s fantastical adaptation, […]
The holidays are here and in the dance world, that typically means one thing: Nutcracker season! As a former bunhead, I’d be remiss not to give a shout-out to some of the Nutcracker productions we all know and love. Houston Ballet’s Jared Matthews and Karina Gonzalez dance the Sugar Plum Fairy pas de deux. 10 Nutcrackers That Rock George […]
The Nutcracker DVD The Royal Ballet $29.99 Before you know it, Nutcracker season will be here! Get in the spirit with a DVD of the classic ballet, danced by The Royal Ballet. You’ll have visions of the Sugar Plum Fairy dancing in your head. Enter below to win a DVD! […]