Over the weekend, my family and I went to see Nashville’s Nutcracker performed by the Nashville Ballet. The traditional nutcracker ballet is so much fun and a great way to share the magic and excitement of Christmas as a family. We enjoyed all of the special Nashville elements, like the opening scene at the Tennessee Centennial Exposition at the Parthenon. We also enjoyed all the iconic elements that make the Nutcracker such a dreamy experience. As we entered the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, I was happy to see so many families with children. I was thinking what a great family tradition the Nutcracker ballet can be. Here are 5 reasons to go see the Nutcracker with your family!
Start A Nutcracker Ballet Show Family Tradition
Who Wrote The Nutcracker Ballet?
The music for The Nutcracker ballet was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1892. The original story is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.”
The libretto (script for the ballet) was adapted by Marius Petipa, a French ballet master, who also choreographed the original version with Lev Ivanov, who took over much of the choreography when Petipa fell ill.
Going to see The Nutcracker Ballet with family during the holidays has been a tradition since it premiered on December 18, 1892, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. Here is why you should see The Nutcracker with your family.
1. Just Unplug.
A family trip to the Nutcracker means you all have to unplug for a little while together and enjoy a family outing. I took the opportunity to make everyone dress up because it was a special occasion. We even got a family photo taken out in front of the theatre by a passerby. We all loved the performance! It has opened up the door to many conversations around what everyone enjoyed best. We also got caught up in debate on how they go about putting on such a big show.
2. Inspire imagination.
The traditional Nutcracker ballet is the perfect performance to inspire the imagination. It is itself, like a beautiful daydream. All these magical things happen and there are so many wonderful sights to see.
3. Delight in Dance
It is a fabulous opportunity to indulge in the spectacle of dance. There are all sorts of beautiful dance scenes with dancers from different lands introducing different styles of dance. Men and women will astound you with their grace, beauty, and strength. And then the youth cast does an amazing job as well and really help to absorb my children’s interest in the show.
4. Relish the Costumes And Set
The costumes and set are really something to marvel at all by themselves. A beautiful myriad of costumes keeps the eye relishing all the details, and numerous, varied sets are really quite impressive. I can’t even imagine how much work must have gone into the preparation of those details.
5. Live Music Appreciation
60 members of the GRAMMY® Award-winning Nashville Symphony performed Tchaikovsky’s celebrated score here in Nashville. My kids were quick to run down to the front as soon as the show was over so they could see the orchestra. They wanted to spot the instruments they each play. I surprised how much they really appreciated how wonderful the orchestra sounded throughout the performance.
I attended a media showing of Nashville’s Nutcracker. If you are in the Nashville area, you can find a complete performance schedule and more information can at NashvilleBallet.com.
Nutrcracker Q&A
How long is the nutcracker ballet?
The length of “The Nutcracker” ballet can vary depending on the production and the choices made by the company performing it. On average, most performances of “The Nutcracker” typically last around two hours, including one intermission.
What to wear to the nutcracker ballet?
Attending “The Nutcracker” ballet is often seen as a special occasion, so dressing elegantly or semi-formally is a good choice. Here are some suggestions on what to wear:
- Women:
- Dresses or skirts with blouses or dressy tops.
- Cocktail dresses or evening gowns if you prefer a more formal look.
- Dress pants or dressy trousers paired with a nice blouse or top.
- Heels, flats, or dressy boots can complement the outfit.
- Men:
- Suits or blazers with dress pants are appropriate.
- Dress shirts paired with ties or bowties.
- Dress shoes that match the outfit, such as oxfords or loafers.
It’s important to consider the venue and the weather as well.
Who wrote the nutcracker ballet?
“The Nutcracker” ballet was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, a Russian composer. The ballet is based on the story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffmann. The original choreography for the ballet was created by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, and it premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia, in December 1892. Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score has since become one of the most beloved and frequently performed ballet compositions worldwide.
Nutcracker Tradition Conclusion
Performing arts are a beautiful, inspiring tradition to pass onto your children and to enjoy as a family. The Nutcracker is such a fun way to welcome the magic of Christmas as a family. It was really a memorable family outing for us. What are some of your favorite family outings at Christmas time? Have you seen the traditional Nutcracker ballet? If you have seen it more than once, do you remember the first time you saw the Nutcracker?
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Casey Bunn says
We totally just went on Saturday and it was awesome. 100% agree. 🙂