Why The Nutcracker Is Still an Important Christmas Tradition
Dancers in The Party Scene for SCB’s 2023 production of The Nutcracker
Although it has Russian, French, German, and other origins, the Nutcracker ballet has been one of the most beloved American Christmas traditions since Christmas Eve in 1944, when the San Francisco Ballet debuted the first complete version of it stateside. It was Americans who turned first the ballet and then the German nutcracker toys into holiday fixtures, shaping Christmas celebrations ever since.
Why Is Nutcracker a Christmas Tradition Today?
Here’s why Nutcracker ballet performances — along with related movies, decorations, wrapping paper, and other ephemera — are still a core part of traditional holiday celebrations today.
Christmas Ballet
First, there’s the obvious fact that The Nutcracker is conceived, set, and staged as a Christmas ballet with holiday elements front and center. Clara’s Christmas gift becomes one of the main characters; an enormous Christmas tree “grows” out of the floor until it towers over the stage; sweets, toys, snow fairies (not to mention dreams of sugarplums) abound.
Nostalgia and Family Tradition
For many families, attending a performance of The Nutcracker is an annual tradition. It both evokes and creates nostalgia for parents and children respectively, recalling magical childhood memories and a shared experience.
Absence of Religious Themes
Although it’s a Christmas ballet, this holiday classic has no Christian themes or references, or any religious content at all. This makes it enjoyable for Americans of all religions and those with none.
Visual Spectacle and Holiday Magic
For Americans, Christmas is meant to be a time of magic and wonder, and yet the realities of life are routinely a threat to this mindset. The ballet serves as a way to reconnect children and adults alike with whimsy and joy when it’s hard to find elsewhere. The dazzling costumes, magical sets, and enchanting score continue to captivate and revive the spirits of modern audiences everywhere.
Broad Appeal for All Ages
The Nutcracker appeals to children with its simple fairy tale storyline, festive music, and colorful visuals. For adults, it’s thrilling to watch dancers pull off seemingly impossible leaps and other gravity- and joint-defying movements. It’s also fun for seasoned audiences to assess the choices ballet companies make with regard to costumes, sets, and logistical feats, like making Clara’s bed spin gracefully, or ensuring the movements of outsized Mother Ginger are smooth and stable as she takes the stage with dancers under her skirts.
In short, The Nutcracker’s universal themes of Christmas wonder and adventure resonate with all ages, making it a performance the whole family can enjoy together.
See The Nutcracker Performed by Southern California Ballet
Enjoy ultimate holiday magic with the Southern California Ballet’s performance 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 to get your tickets to this years The Nutcracker.
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.
