5 Things You Didn’t Know About The Nutcracker Ballet
The Nutcracker ballet is a world-famous holiday classic that has enchanted audiences for generations. While Tchaikovsky's iconic score and the mesmerizing choreography are familiar to many, the ballet’s history and influence is a treasure trove of little-known truths. Here are some fun facts that may surprise even the most ardent fans.
Fun Facts About The Nutcracker
1. It Almost Wasn’t Called The Nutcracker
The original working title for the ballet was The Christmas Tree and, alternatively, The Fir Tree.
2. It Contains Elements of German Culture
In traditional German folklore, nutcrackers are thought to bring good luck and to protect home and family. That’s why they were often given to children as keepsakes, and why Clara receives one as a gift at Christmas. But it’s the power of the ballet that has led to nutcrackers becoming widely associated with Christmas decor and gifts elsewhere in the world.
3. It Originally Flopped in Russia
Premiering in 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, the ballet was initially criticized for its lack of a coherent plot and artistic depth. Tchaikovsky, the composer, had little hope for its success, and the first Nutcracker reviews seemed to confirm his fears.
4. The Original Score Manuscript Was Long Lost
The original copy of The Nutcracker Suite went missing and was thought to be irrecoverable for 50 years after its composition. It was found by a conductor in 1946 and is now housed in a museum near Moscow.
5. It Was Adapted From, Then Back to, Its Original Nature (Sort Of)
In the 1980s, the Pacific Northwest Ballet wanted to return to the dark fairytale aspects of The Nutcracker as envisioned by its original author, E.T.A. Hoffmann, rather than using Alexandre Dumas’s traditional, light-hearted 1845 adaptation. With Hoffmann long gone, they turned to a Polish-American Jewish illustrator and writer famous for his own dark voyages with childhood demons: Maurice Sendak, author of Where the Wild Things Are. Sendak and the PNB produced the new adaptation for a televised 1983 performance, and the film is still widely available today.
See The Nutcracker Performed by Southern California Ballet
Enjoy ultimate holiday magic with the Southern California Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker, on December 16–17, 2023. Tickets go on sale on October 31, so be sure to get yours early! While you’re waiting for the big night, be sure to read more about The Nutcracker’s history and background. Are you a teacher in San Diego? Treat your class to discounted field trip performances of this holiday favorite.
Southern California Ballet is a world class dance facility in San Diego that trains dancers for a professional career, empowers people for a life of success, and welcomes the community to be part of an extraordinary experience. Our mission is to empower aspiring dancers to reach their full potential and to elevate the community through educational programs and imaginative performances.
You can learn more about SCB's annual ballet productions on our website. Each production has its own background page, where you can learn more about each ballet’s history, plot, choreography, featured technical skills, artistic direction, and more. Sign up for our newsletter and join us on social media for updates on ticket sales for future performances.