The Nutcracker is a treasured holiday tradition—especially in the world of dance! But did you know that 100 years passed between The Nutcracker’s stage debut and its success in the United States? Or that the New York Ballet’s Candy Cane costumes are adorned with 144 jingle bells each? Check out our five fun facts about the Nutcracker (along with five Nutcracker activities to try at home) here. Ready for more? Read on for all things Nutcracker, and how YOU can experience the Turning Pointe difference this holiday season.
Why We Love Nutcracker Season
The Nutcracker brings dance to the rest of the world—every single year! It’s no secret that it’s one of the most popular ballets on stage. An annual tradition for dancers and non-dancers alike, it wouldn’t be performed every year (and consistently sold out across continents) if it wasn’t! Not to mention the fancy wooden collectors items we see on store shelves year after year. And when all eyes are on ballet, it’s easy to share our love of dance, and the gifts and talents God gave us with others.
For many dancers, The Nutcracker is their first introduction to performance, and being part of a cast and production as opposed to a recital. With roles from party guests to angels and sweets (depending on the adaptation) up for grabs, it’s a great way to experience the audition process and the inner workings of theater, and be inspired to work your way up to a featured or soloist role.
For many spectators, The Nutcracker is their first introduction to the world of ballet. But with the elegance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the intensity of the battle between soldiers and mice, the magic of the iconic snow scene, and the athleticism of the tricks showcased in the second act’s variations, it’s a world they won’t soon want to leave—or forget! The more people experience the magic of ballet, even one Christmas at a time, the more audiences will be inspired to join us in class and carry on this holiday showcase for years and years to come.
Whether you’ve seen or danced in this classic Christmas tale for years, or this is the first season you’ve encountered the story, you’ll find your holidays just aren’t complete without a visit to the Land of Sweets. If you’re ready to experience the magic for yourself, here’s how you can join us in all the fun this month at Turning Pointe Dance…
Join us for A Nutcracker Sweet Workshop
Students ages 3-10 are invited to join us for our Nutcracker Sweet Workshop, this Saturday, December 14, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Invite a friend and meet us at the studio for a re-telling of The Nutcracker story, dancing, crafts, a special tea party, dress up time, and a visit from the classic characters in costume for plenty of photos. We’ll dance like Nutcracker soldiers, snowflakes, and sugar plum fairies as we celebrate the most enchanting, well-known ballet of the Christmas season.
Don’t want the festive fun to end? Keep the celebration going (and give mom and dad some more uninterrupted holiday time!) at our Polar Express Parents Afternoon Out from 1:30-3:30 p.m.! We’ll get cozy in our favorite Christmas PJs for a pizza picnic, dance party, crafts and viewing of “The Polar Express.”
Register here, and register soon—Spots are filling fast, and you won’t want to miss the fun!
(Discounts are available for Turning Pointe students, and dancers who attend both events.)
Join us for Free Trial Week!
Did you or someone you know get hooked on The Nutcracker ballet this season? Free Trial Weeks are coming up December 16-21, 2024, and January 6-11, 2025! Try your hand in your first ballet class, or invite a friend to try their favorite Nutcracker moves in class with you.
Don’t be shy—these are your final chances to try out a class before school-year session registration closes on January 31! Check out our 2024-25 school-year session schedule here, and descriptions of all our available classes here.