What is so great about the Nutcracker story?
The Nutcracker has always been a story about a young girl's journey into adulthood and sexual maturity, and as Drosselmeyer creeps around the stage this year, in the wake of Harvey Weinstein and Roy Moore, he reminds us that the journey has always been fraught.
What is the moral of the Nutcracker story?
While Dickens' work imparts a moral lesson on the importance of family, love and generosity over material wealth, Nutcracker transports us to a Yuletide fantasia of battling mice and toy soldiers, a dancing sugar plum fairy and, of course, a live nutcracker. Similarly, it is asked, who wrote the story of The Nutcracker? E. T. A. Hoffmann
Who is the girl in the Nutcracker ballet?
The answer can vary widely, although, most agree “Clara,” is the popular answer. In most versions of the popular holiday ballet The Nutcracker, the young girl who falls asleep and dreams about a prince is named Clara.
Is Nutcracker A Christmas Story?
Well, yes it is. However, it is very different from the typical Christmas story. The Nutcracker is set on a magical Christmas Eve and brings us on a wintery and fantastical adventure.
What does The Nutcracker symbolize?
Nutcracker dolls, also known as Christmas nutcrackers, are decorative nutcracker figurines most commonly made to resemble a toy soldier. In German tradition, the dolls are symbols of good luck, frightening away malevolent spirits.
What is the significance of The Nutcracker at Christmas?
According to German folklore, nutcrackers we given as keepsakes to bring luck to the family and protect the home. It is said that they represent strength and power and watches over the family keeping evil spirits and danger away.
Where does The Nutcracker story come from?
It is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann's 1816 fairy tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. It tells the story of a little girl who goes to the Land of Sweets on Christmas Eve. Ivan Vsevolozhsky and Marius Petipa adapted Hoffmann's story for the ballet.
Is The Nutcracker a love story?
1. THIS IS NOT A LOVE STORY Unlike almost every other ballet from the 19th century, “The Nutcracker” isn't about falling in love. So if you see the heroine Clara dancing a romantic pas de deux with the Nutcracker prince, you're watching an alternative version; I call this anti-“Nutcracker” behavior.
What is the moral lesson of The Nutcracker?
Clara learned that she possess the power she needs to make her dreams come true. Confidence and execution are key. Friends don't hurt each other on purpose. There was a character that smiled and cheered on Clara the entire time until she got what she wanted.
Who is the villain in The Nutcracker?
The Sugar Plum Fairy (also known simply as Sugar Plum) is the main antagonist of Disney's 2018 live-action film, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.
Is The Nutcracker religious?
The Nutcracker does indeed have religious content. Everyone in the ballet is celebrating Christmas, a Christian holiday commemorating Christ.
Is Clara the Sugar Plum Fairy?
In English National Ballet's Nutcracker, Clara herself transforms into the Sugar Plum Fairy at the end of the ballet. After her many adventures, and after the Mouse King has been defeated, she transforms into the Sugar Plum for the lavish celebration that takes place in an enchanted garden.
Is The Nutcracker A Christmas story?
The origin of the Nutcracker, a classic Christmas Story, is a fairy tale ballet in two acts centered on a family's Christmas Eve celebration. Alexandre Dumas Père's adaptation of the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann was set to music by Tchaikovsky and originally choreographed by Marius Petipa.
What happens at the end of The Nutcracker?
The Prince tells her about their daring battle with the army of mice and she rewards them with a celebration of dances. As a finale, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier dance a beautiful Pas De Deux. Clara awakens from her dream and finds herself by her Christmas tree with her beloved Nutcracker.
Is Clara in love with The Nutcracker?
Hans/The Nutcracker Clara has a loving relationship with the Nutcracker since she first received him as a gift and immediately fell in love with him, despite being saddened by the story that Drosselmeyer told her about how his nephew Hans was cursed to become the same nutcracker that he gave her.
How old is Clara in The Nutcracker?
around 12 years oldChoreographers continue to search for new spins on the classic Nutcracker story, but one of the biggest decisions concerns who's actually performing the part of Clara. It's sometimes danced by a girl close to the character's age, which is around 12 years old.
When did The Nutcracker become associated with Christmas?
The San Francisco ballet performed "The Nutcracker" on Christmas Eve of 1944. But it wasn't until the 1960s that performances of the complete "Nutcracker" ballet really took off as an annual Christmas tradition around the country.
Is The Nutcracker A Christmas story?
The origin of the Nutcracker, a classic Christmas Story, is a fairy tale ballet in two acts centered on a family's Christmas Eve celebration. Alexandre Dumas Père's adaptation of the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann was set to music by Tchaikovsky and originally choreographed by Marius Petipa.
Is The Nutcracker religious?
The Nutcracker does indeed have religious content. Everyone in the ballet is celebrating Christmas, a Christian holiday commemorating Christ.
Do nutcrackers ward off evil spirits?
In the middle ages in Germany, Nutcrackers were carved from wood to act as 'guardians' for homes. Their meaning teeth were designed to scare off evil spirits/the devil much like gargoyles are meant to do on churches.
What is the story of the Nutcracker Prince?
The Nutcracker Prince tells the story of how Clara and he defeated the Mouse King. The Sugarplum Fairy commands a celebration in their honor. Pages present Clara gifts that represent presents Clara’s family had received at their Christmas party: The Spanish Chocolate, Marzipan Flute, Arabian Coffee, Chinese Tea, Russian Ribbon Candy, Gingerbread and all. Clara is crowned a princess and the Nutcracker is awarded with a medal for his bravery.
Where was the Nutcracker first performed?
The Nutcracker was first presented 123 years ago at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, on December 17, 1892. Peter Tchaikovsky, the famous Russian composer, was commissioned by mastermind choreographer Marius Petipa to compose the ballet, score based on Alexandre Dumas’s adaptation of E.T.A.
What happens to Clara in the drawing room?
Later that night, in the dark and quiet drawing room, Clara enters with a flickering candle, looking for her Nutcracker. She takes it in her arms and falls asleep on the couch. Huge and small mice scurry around the room frightening Clara, then, under Herr Drosselmeyer’s spell, the mice are sent away. Drosselmeyer comforts Clara, dances with her, and asks her “Would like to see the Nutcracker come to life?” Clara excitedly replies “Yes!” and Drosselmeyer transforms the Nutcracker into a live young man. Drosselmeyer then brings the room to life causing the tree to grow to wondrous proportions. Clara is in awe and knights the Nutcracker Prince before he must battle the mice.
What is the story of Christmas Eve 1830?
Herr Drosselmeyer, the magician, famous clock maker, toy maker, and godfather to Clara Stahlbaum, is seen walking with his Nephew. Herr Drosselmeyer and his Nephew are on their way to a Holiday Party at the Stahlbaum House. Other excited guests, dressed in their holiday best, are also on their way to the party. They meet street vendors and urchins and exchange holiday greetings. A puppeteer and Herr Drosselmeyer enact a fight between a mouse and the Nutcracker that foreshadow the Battle Scene that will occur later that night.
What do Clara and her girlfriends dance with?
Clara and her girlfriends dance with their dolls. The adults join hands for the stately Grandmother’s Dance. The festive evening comes to an end and the guests say their good-byes. Clara wants to take her Nutcracker doll to sleep but her mother asks her to leave it by the Christmas tree.
What is the Nutcracker's medal?
Clara is crowned a princess and the Nutcracker is awarded with a medal for his bravery. Each gift comes to life and dances for Clara. The Sugarplum and her Cavalier perform a glorious Grand Pas de Deux! As the dance ends, the Sugar Plum Fairy summons the Chestnut Shell Boat to carry Clara home. Finalé.
Does Drosselmeyer transform the Nutcracker into a live young man?
Clara excitedly replies “Yes!” and Drosselmeyer transforms the Nutcracker into a live young man. Drosselmeyer then brings the room to life causing the tree to grow to wondrous proportions. Clara is in awe and knights the Nutcracker Prince before he must battle the mice. The mice are back!
How to improve Hoffmann's writing skills?
Next, write everyday. Not only does this improve your writing skills, but you’ll find it’s easier to come up with new ideas when you’re in practice.
When was the Nutcracker first performed?
In 1892 , the story premiered on the Russian ballet stage as The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky. And thanks to the lush musical score, the story has lived on and thrives in our imaginations nearly 200 years after it was first published.
When was The Nutcracker and the Mouse King published?
It’s his fantastic imagination that made his novella, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, so very memorable. Published in 1816 , the original story was a complex world of intrigue, adventure, and true love between a girl and her nutcracker doll. It was translated into many other languages, spreading widely throughout Europe.
Did Hoffmann write dictation?
But through it all, he wrote. And wrote and wrote and wrote. Even when bedridden and paralyzed in the last years of his life, he continued to write via dictation. Hard work … but good for us, since Hoffmann’s work is considered to be one of the best examples of the German Romantic style, and he’s credited as a pioneer in the fantasy genre.
What is the Nutcracker?
The Nutcracker is a timeless and popular Christmas production — one that’s responsible for 40% of annual ticket sales at major American ballet companies.
When was the Nutcracker first published?
The story was translated into many other languages and spread widely throughout Europe. In 1892 , the story premiered on the Russian ballet stage as The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky. And thanks to the lush musical score, the story has lived on and thrives in our imaginations nearly 200 years after it was first published.
Why is Hoffmann's writing a shame?
It’s a shame too; because he played such a significant role in the way we perceive art and music. For example, according to some, Hoffmann’s writings were the bridge that pushed Beethoven from classical composer to what Matthew Guerrieri’s book, The First Four Notes: Beethoven’s Fifth and the Human Imagination, called, “this sort of … musical mascot of the German Romantic movement, which really became one of the most long-lasting and persistent images of Beethoven that we have.”
Did Hoffmann write fantasy?
Yet through it all, he wrote … and wrote and wrote and wrote. Even when bedridden and paralyzed in the last years of his life, he continued to write via dictation. He’s someone we should all be thankful for since his work is considered one of the best examples of what’s known as the German Romantic style. He’s also credited as a pioneer in the fantasy genre. Hoffmann was a hard worker and remained a prominent figure for many decades even after his death in 1822. Today, his fame has faded.
What is the Nutcracker ballet based on?
The last of his three ballets, it was first performed in December 1892. The story of The Nutcracker is loosely based on the E.T.A. Hoffmann fantasy story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve ...
When did Tchaikovsky start his career?
Tchaikovsky began work in February 1891, continuing his efforts while on an American tour later that year for the opening of Carnegie Hall. His homeward journey took him through Paris, where he discovered a new instrument: the celesta, whose clear, bell-like tone was perfectly fitted to The Nutcracker ’s fairy-tale ambience.
Did Petipa fall ill?
Petipa had fallen ill , and the choreography was instead devised by his less-inspired assistant. Additionally, the scenery and costumes were panned as tasteless, and the performance of the ballerina who danced the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy was widely criticized.
Did Tchaikovsky live to see the Nutcracker?
The newspapers reviled Tchaikovsky, and he did not live to see the piece succeed. Despite the failure of its initial performance, The Nutcracker has become the most frequently performed of all ballets and has served as an introduction to classical music for many young people.
Who wrote the story of Hoffmann?
Hoffmann’s story is darker and more troubling than the version that reached the stage; the Imperial Russian Ballet choreographer Marius Petipa chose to follow a light adaptation of the story written by Alexandre Dumas père. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, 1874.
What is the Nutcracker and the Mouse King adapted from?
The libretto is adapted from E. T. A. Hoffmann 's story " The Nutcracker and the Mouse King ". Although the original production was not a success, the 20-minute suite that Tchaikovsky extracted from the ballet was.
What toy does Drosselmeyer have for Clara?
Clara and Fritz are sad to see the dolls being taken away, but Drosselmeyer has yet another toy for them: a wooden nutcracker carved in the shape of a little man. The other children ignore it, but Clara immediately takes a liking to it. Fritz, however, breaks it, and Clara is heartbroken.
What is the story of the nutcracker and the gingerbread soldiers?
The nutcracker appears to lead the soldiers, who are joined by tin soldiers, and by dolls who serve as doctors to carry away the wounded.
What happens to Clara after everyone else goes to bed?
During the night, after everyone else has gone to bed, Clara returns to the parlor to check on her beloved nutcracker. As she reaches the little bed, the clock strikes midnight and she looks up to see Drosselmeyer perched atop it. Suddenly, mice begin to fill the room and the Christmas tree begins to grow to dizzying heights. The nutcracker also grows to life size. Clara finds herself in the midst of a battle between an army of gingerbread soldiers and the mice, led by their king. The mice begin to eat the gingerbread soldiers.
What is the ballet set on?
The ballet is set on Christmas Eve, where family and friends have gathered in the parlor to decorate the beautiful Christmas tree in preparation for the party. Once the tree is finished, the children are sent for. They stand in awe of the tree sparkling with candles and decorations.
How much of the ballet revenue is from the Nutcracker?
Major American ballet companies generate around 40% of their annual ticket revenues from performances of The Nutcracker. The ballet's score has been used in several film adaptations of Hoffmann's story. Tchaikovsky's score has become one of his most famous compositions.
Where was the first ballet performed?
The first performance of the ballet was held as a double premiere together with Tchaikovsky's last opera, Iolanta, on 18 December [ O.S. 6 December] 1892, at the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Although the libretto was by Marius Petipa, who exactly choreographed the first production has been debated. Petipa began work on the choreography in August 1892; however, illness removed him from its completion and his assistant of seven years, Lev Ivanov, was brought in. Although Ivanov is often credited as the choreographer, some contemporary accounts credit Petipa. The performance was conducted by Italian composer Riccardo Drigo, with Antonietta Dell'Era as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Pavel Gerdt as Prince Coqueluche, Stanislava Belinskaya as Clara, Sergei Legat as the Nutcracker-Prince, and Timofey Stukolkin as Drosselmeyer. Unlike in many later productions, the children's roles were performed by real children – students of the Imperial Ballet School in Saint Petersburg, with Belinskaya as Clara, and Vassily Stukolkin as Fritz – rather than adults.
