Let's Get Crackin'

'It was such a tree and surrounded by the most tantalizing presents. But first, it was time for the games to begin and the Christmas dancing.'

Why do so many people love The Nutcracker, and why to they return, sometimes year after year?  There are many reasons, but tradition is at the core.  The Nutcracker actually goes back to the late 1890's as a two-act, classical ballet. Conceived by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the show is set on Christmas Eve at the foot of a Christmas tree in a child's imagination. 

The plot is an adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' 1844 short story The Nutcracker which itself a retelling of E. T. A. Hoffmann's 1816 short story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.  So many people, most who never follow or have seen a ballet, have headed to the show every December.  It's Christmas Eve setting, colorful dancing, not to mention that incredible score, are so well known, even people who haven't seen the ballet, are familiar with the show and it's music. 

My memories go back to working in regional theatre as a kid.  Even before I saw the show, I remember working in theatres where the show was being readied for the holidays.   I remember hearing the music, seeing the costumes, and dancers rehearsing.  I've only seen the full production once, and then later the 1993 film version with Macaulay Culkin.

Evan Loudon

I think the show also helped awaken early sexual tingling's in many young boys watching as well.  Those toy soldiers, The Nutcracker Prince, and all those ballet bulges, live, and just in front of you on the stage, was an incredible sign for many.  That Sugar Plum, wasn't the only fairy floating around the auditorium, even if we didn't fully recognize it at the time.

Axie & his toy Soldier

I've been thinking of doing the theme for awhile now.  Almost every dancer I've featured over the years on FH, have listed the show on their resume. I hope you enjoy my tribute to the classic Christmas show and the many men who put on the mouse costume, the soldiers uniform and of course, slid on those white tights.  Check out more on Page 2 HERE: & Page 3 HERE:

Andrew Dubry