How Traditional Is Your Nutcracker Ballet?
SCB Company Dancers in 2023s The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker ballet has long been a mainstay of the holiday season, enchanting audiences with its whimsical tale and captivating choreography — yet there’s more than one adaptation of it. Each one contains departures from the Nutcracker traditional story and other components in ways that enrich our understanding of this Christmas classic.
Key Components of a Traditional Nutcracker Ballet
What is considered a “traditional” Nutcracker production does not necessarily contain all the original elements of the story, characters, or choreography, but rather a general combination of adaptations that popularized the ballet internationally, although there are always fine distinctions between even the most widely preferred versions.
The Nutcracker’s success began with the San Francisco Ballet’s 1944 debut using Willam Christensen’s choreography and increased significantly with the 1954 New York production using choreography by George Balanchine. The only thing that typically remains constant in productions is Tchaikovsky’s musical score, The Nutcracker Suite.
Story, Plot, and Characters
The narrative as most know it today is Alexander Dumas’s 1844 child-friendly adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffman’s original, but darker, tale. It revolves around main characters Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy, who embody the wonder and magic of an innocent fairy tale. In contrast, for example, Maurice Sendak's adaptation — performed by the Pacific Northwest Ballet for over three decades — has honored Hoffman’s more ominous undertones and richer character exploration.
Choreography
Although Russian ballet master Marius Petipa was The Nutcracker’s first choreographer, Balanchine’s dance design is still the most widely embraced today. Signature sequences, such as the “Waltz of the Snowflakes” and the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” are indispensable for traditional performances.
Visual Elements
The visual elements of a traditional Nutcracker are integral to its charm. Lavish costumes and elaborate sets evoke the whimsy of childhood imagination. The conventional aesthetic is nostalgic, celebrating classic holiday themes and winter landscapes.
Why Modern Adaptations Are Well Worth Seeing
While traditional Nutcracker productions hold a special place in the hearts of many, modern adaptations bring fresh perspectives that are equally valuable and often more inclusive, given that the original ballet is largely a product of white, Western, cisgender, and heteronormative worldviews.
Contemporary interpretations often reimagine characters and storylines, incorporating not just greater cultural diversity but improved authenticity and representation that make the ballet more relatable for more audiences. Ultimately, modern adaptations ensure that The Nutcracker — in one form or another — remains a cherished part of each holiday season.
See The Nutcracker Performed by Southern California Ballet
Enjoy ultimate holiday magic with the Southern California Ballet’s traditional version of The Nutcracker, on December 21–22, 2024. Tickets go on sale on November 6, 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.
Click here for Tickets to The Nutcracker by Southern California ballet.
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.
