Ballet is a year round event - but the Nutcracker is a really weird holiday tradition that can’t be beat. It brings joy and happiness to many and gives of the excitement of Christmas, expressing it through dance. - Holly Young And Chiara Kovac
Ballet is a year round event - but the Nutcracker is a really weird holiday tradition that can’t be beat. It brings joy and happiness to many and gives of the excitement of Christmas, expressing it through dance.
The Story of The Nutcracker The Nutcracker in a nutshell (hehe puns) is the story of a young girl who receives a toy nutcracker that comes to life, and they have adventures together. Let me elaborate. A Nutcracker actually cracks nut shells (such as pistachios and walnuts) with its teeth. They normally take the form of wooden men with beards such as seen in the picture below. The girl, Marie Stahlbaum (sometimes called Clara Stahlbaum) received this gift from her Godfather, Drosselmeyer. To further explain the story I will start at the first act.
The Story of The Nutcracker The Nutcracker in a nutshell (hehe puns) is the story of a young girl who receives a toy nutcracker that comes to life, and they have adventures together. Let me elaborate. A Nutcracker actually cracks nut shells (such as pistachios and walnuts) with its teeth. They normally take the form of wooden men with beards such as seen in the picture below. The girl, Marie Stahlbaum (sometimes called Clara Stahlbaum) received this gift from her Godfather, Drosselmeyer. To further explain the story I will start at the first act.
Act I party scene-
This is the scene where Marie receives Mr Creepy Bearded Doll Man (Nutcracker) from Drosselmeyer. Her brother Fritz breaks it and Drosselmeyer fixes it. Drosselmeyer also entertains the children in some variations doing magic tricks. Then the Godfather brings out the dancing life-size dolls. These dolls vary from ballet to ballet but one of them is almost always a ballerina doll (played by a real dancer) and the other can be a harlequin, soldier, bear and others (also played by real dancers). Everyone leaves the party eventually, but Marie falls asleep on the couch (don’t worry, it’s her house).
This is the scene where Marie receives Mr Creepy Bearded Doll Man (Nutcracker) from Drosselmeyer. Her brother Fritz breaks it and Drosselmeyer fixes it. Drosselmeyer also entertains the children in some variations doing magic tricks. Then the Godfather brings out the dancing life-size dolls. These dolls vary from ballet to ballet but one of them is almost always a ballerina doll (played by a real dancer) and the other can be a harlequin, soldier, bear and others (also played by real dancers). Everyone leaves the party eventually, but Marie falls asleep on the couch (don’t worry, it’s her house).
Act I battle scene-
When Marie wakes up, the Christmas tree grows or maybe she shrinks. Her Nutcracker comes to life and mice and rats storm onto the stage. The Mouse King enters and commands his army of vermin to attack Marie and her Nutcracker Prince. Toy soldiers come to aid them and there is a battle. The Mouse King wounds the Nutcracker and Marie throws her shoe at him. The Mouse King dies because mice have like, soft heads or something. The Nutcracker and Marie plan to go to the land of sweets, the Nutcracker’s hometown.
Act I snow scene-
Before Marie and the Nutcracker (who still doesn't have a name) depart, they waltz through the snow, accompanied by dancing snowflakes. Small paper bits float down on the stage to resemble snow and swirl about as the dancers move. In some productions wispy smoke from dry ice floats onto the stage and with every kick and twirl, the smoke flies about.
When Marie wakes up, the Christmas tree grows or maybe she shrinks. Her Nutcracker comes to life and mice and rats storm onto the stage. The Mouse King enters and commands his army of vermin to attack Marie and her Nutcracker Prince. Toy soldiers come to aid them and there is a battle. The Mouse King wounds the Nutcracker and Marie throws her shoe at him. The Mouse King dies because mice have like, soft heads or something. The Nutcracker and Marie plan to go to the land of sweets, the Nutcracker’s hometown.
Act I snow scene-
Before Marie and the Nutcracker (who still doesn't have a name) depart, they waltz through the snow, accompanied by dancing snowflakes. Small paper bits float down on the stage to resemble snow and swirl about as the dancers move. In some productions wispy smoke from dry ice floats onto the stage and with every kick and twirl, the smoke flies about.
Intermission
Act II
Marie and the Nutcracker arrive in the land of the sweets and are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy. This is where it gets complicated and each variation is different from the next. Apologies, we tried to sum it up. We will describe two different variations from different ballets, both in Oakland.
Each variation of sweets perform with their own music for Marie and the Nutcracker because they are happy for them and their victory and are happy the Nutcracker Prince is home.
The variations are:
Spanish dancers (usually chocolate theme) There are two main dancers in the center performing a duet, while people around them dance in unison. They wear red and black and have fans.
Act II
Marie and the Nutcracker arrive in the land of the sweets and are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy. This is where it gets complicated and each variation is different from the next. Apologies, we tried to sum it up. We will describe two different variations from different ballets, both in Oakland.
Each variation of sweets perform with their own music for Marie and the Nutcracker because they are happy for them and their victory and are happy the Nutcracker Prince is home.
The variations are:
Spanish dancers (usually chocolate theme) There are two main dancers in the center performing a duet, while people around them dance in unison. They wear red and black and have fans.
Arabian dancers (usually coffee theme) - They wear poofy pants and the men usually have no shirts while women have crop tops.
Chinese dancers (usually tea theme) - They always have silk jackets in bright colors, and sometimes they have shimmery fans.
Russian dancers (usually mafia theme) - It is one of the most exciting dances that is mostly made up of difficult jumps and quick movements. They wear these big old poofy hats that look like those British guards, but apparently, they’re Russian.
Danish shepherdesses / French mirliton players / bunch of sheep - They have flutes and in some productions, people in sheep costumes.
Mother Ginger - She has this big ol’ skirt that looks like a cake that’s like 100 feet long.
Polichinelles/gingerbread cookies (Mother Ginger's Children) - They hide under their mother’s skirt and jump out to dance with her.
Polichinelles/gingerbread cookies (Mother Ginger's Children) - They hide under their mother’s skirt and jump out to dance with her.
Waltz of the Flowers - The music is one of the most iconic. They do a lot of boures and have pretty dresses/tutus.
Sugar Plum Fairy's Cavalier and Sugar Plum Fairy - It’s a duet between the King and the Queen of the Land of Sweets
Sugar Plum Fairy - She does a solo to more very iconic music.
Act II ½ finale
This isn’t technically an act, it is where they all take bows, but I included it anyway because all of the characters from every scene come out and dance one final time before they bow. Normally the important dancers from each variation and scene come and do once small choreographed dance such as an easy waltz where the audience can applause.
Holly Young and Chiara Kovac have been in several nutcracker performances (Chiara, 14 shows and Holly, 4 shows) and we would like to share our experiences with you. We have danced at a total of three different schools and company nutcrackers and their intro videos are shown below.
Oakland Ballet School with director Ronn Guidi -video unavailable
Oakland Ballet Company with director Graham Lustig:
This isn’t technically an act, it is where they all take bows, but I included it anyway because all of the characters from every scene come out and dance one final time before they bow. Normally the important dancers from each variation and scene come and do once small choreographed dance such as an easy waltz where the audience can applause.
Holly Young and Chiara Kovac have been in several nutcracker performances (Chiara, 14 shows and Holly, 4 shows) and we would like to share our experiences with you. We have danced at a total of three different schools and company nutcrackers and their intro videos are shown below.
Oakland Ballet School with director Ronn Guidi -video unavailable
Oakland Ballet Company with director Graham Lustig:
Pacific Ballet Academy with Marion Chaeff and Rima Chaeff
http://www.pacificballet.org/nutcracker
Little Angels (Chiara) 2012 age 5 - Pacific Ballet Academy
costume: white gown, wing and halo
This was my very first nutcracker I got to perform in. I had watched the Nutcracker for my entire life since both my parents where professional dancers and my father was still dancing. I was determined to be the best angel ever. Our choreography was simple and there were helpers onstage so we would watch them if needed. I decided I did not need to watch them. I was independent and proud of it. Nothing could stop me! All too soon I realized how much power I had. I could be the one little angel who didn’t do the choreography I had memorized and instead do my own! Or I could jump into the audience. So much power scared me. But I also liked it. In a way, even the little dancers can make a difference in the Nutcracker, for better or for worse.
Mother Ginger’s Polichinelle( Chiara) 2013 age 6 - Pacific Ballet Academy
costume: flowered jumpsuit with hair in braided buns tied back with ribbons
Mother Ginger traditionally has a huge skirt and all her children hide under it. The children are normally presented one by one and perform alongside their mother for Marie and the Nutcracker. Our Nutcracker was no exception. There were eight of us Polichinelles, all cramped under this skirt. We could see light from the spotlights shining through the fabric. Also the teacher wore these really sharp shoes like dude come on no one will see them. We crouched down low and schooched step by step until it was time for us to come out. I absolutely adored the costume for this and took the best picture all by myself which is pictured below:
http://www.pacificballet.org/nutcracker
Little Angels (Chiara) 2012 age 5 - Pacific Ballet Academy
costume: white gown, wing and halo
This was my very first nutcracker I got to perform in. I had watched the Nutcracker for my entire life since both my parents where professional dancers and my father was still dancing. I was determined to be the best angel ever. Our choreography was simple and there were helpers onstage so we would watch them if needed. I decided I did not need to watch them. I was independent and proud of it. Nothing could stop me! All too soon I realized how much power I had. I could be the one little angel who didn’t do the choreography I had memorized and instead do my own! Or I could jump into the audience. So much power scared me. But I also liked it. In a way, even the little dancers can make a difference in the Nutcracker, for better or for worse.
Mother Ginger’s Polichinelle( Chiara) 2013 age 6 - Pacific Ballet Academy
costume: flowered jumpsuit with hair in braided buns tied back with ribbons
Mother Ginger traditionally has a huge skirt and all her children hide under it. The children are normally presented one by one and perform alongside their mother for Marie and the Nutcracker. Our Nutcracker was no exception. There were eight of us Polichinelles, all cramped under this skirt. We could see light from the spotlights shining through the fabric. Also the teacher wore these really sharp shoes like dude come on no one will see them. We crouched down low and schooched step by step until it was time for us to come out. I absolutely adored the costume for this and took the best picture all by myself which is pictured below:
Battle Scene (Chiara) 2014 age 7 -Pacific Ballet Academy
costume: mouse suit, ears and face-painted whiskers
I was in second grade at the time and after the audition, I was cast as a mouse. There were the mice and the rats. Rats were older girls who where on pointe and much more experienced. Mice were little kids such as me who were excited to scamper around. Three out of the ten or so mice would get to mess with Drosselmeyer. I was chosen to be a mischief maker (and no probably not because my dad was the Sugar Plum Cavalier, the Snow Prince and the Arabian male lead) and the choreography was to run up to Drosselmeyer and pull at his cape. I was thrilled. I was a rebel mouse, not afraid to take extremes against the soldiers. I could really have fun onstage. As soon as I put on my whiskers, I reported to my Mouse queen (yes we had a mouse queen and she had these looooooooong red fingernails) and was ready to attack. I loved the excitement of the battle scene and the show was a success.
Chinese (Holly) 2016 age 7- Oakland Ballet School
There are lots of little bows with partners and to the audience. We wore silk jackets with fans.
Russian (Holly) Oakland Ballet School
costume: black boots, red sash, large hat,
They jump in with their hilarious hats. There is this guy in the center who does fouettes while holding a sword. They have an annual thing where they take a mafia photo where they’re serious and trying to be scary. But their not.
Mother Ginger (Holly) 2017-2019- Oakland Ballet School
I have been in the Gingersnaps for the past 3 years. In my variation, only one person gets to go under the skirt- so I have always been disappointed. The littlest snap goes under the skirt and her job is to hide from Mother Ginger, who gets really annoyed. We wear little brown costumes with colorful fringe that looks like icing.
Chinese (Chiara) 2018 and 2019 age 11, age 12 - Oakland Ballet Company
costume: hat, bright pink dyed shoes, hot pink pants and a patterned vest
This dance was very complicated with lots of tiny jumps and details. We hold ribbons attached to a professional dancers back. It is supposed to resemble the fairy tale of the emperor and the nightingale (which I am not familiar with). In our variation there are four little Emperors and we are trying to capture the bird. The music is very fast and sometimes it is hard not to rush and remember our corrections. In addition to that, if you made a wrong move the ribbon could wrap around the nightingale's (actually a professional dancer) neck and choke her. My favorite part was when we fall over at the end.
Snow Scene (Chiara) 2018 and 2019 age 11, age 12 - Oakland Ballet Company
coutume: beanie, white leotard, socks, gloves, AND A BIG OLD SNOWBALL
I had always been mesmerized by the snow scene. They seemed so poised, so graceful, and so elegant. When I was cast as a snowball in 6th grade and again in 7th, I was more than happy to join in the beautiful wintery dance. And then I saw it. My snowball costume. It was enormous and bounced with every step I took. It was slightly heavy and was made a layer upon layers of tulle. We had hats, gloves and socks as well. The costume was very well made but I felt ridiculous. I was miserable right up until the opening show. Since I had lived in California for my entire life, I rarely saw snowfall and seeing even fake snowfall had me amazed. I was so excited that I got to dance in the winter wonderland that had just opened up I didn’t even have to fake a smile It was really magical and for the first time ever, I got to experience the magic of the Nutcracker while performing in it.
Backstage (Chiara) 2012-2019 and onward-
There is this special feeling of performing. When the spotlights illuminate you and you show the world what you have practiced since September. It is when those nervous and anxious feelings melt away and you perform. You have it all in your head and let it out. Performances bring dancers together in a special way that nothing else can. I remember going backstage to watch my dad dance. I was in the wings looking at them dance just like I did when they were practicing. It was simply magical. I hope you get to watch a Nutcracker this winter. It is an experience like no other.
costume: mouse suit, ears and face-painted whiskers
I was in second grade at the time and after the audition, I was cast as a mouse. There were the mice and the rats. Rats were older girls who where on pointe and much more experienced. Mice were little kids such as me who were excited to scamper around. Three out of the ten or so mice would get to mess with Drosselmeyer. I was chosen to be a mischief maker (and no probably not because my dad was the Sugar Plum Cavalier, the Snow Prince and the Arabian male lead) and the choreography was to run up to Drosselmeyer and pull at his cape. I was thrilled. I was a rebel mouse, not afraid to take extremes against the soldiers. I could really have fun onstage. As soon as I put on my whiskers, I reported to my Mouse queen (yes we had a mouse queen and she had these looooooooong red fingernails) and was ready to attack. I loved the excitement of the battle scene and the show was a success.
Chinese (Holly) 2016 age 7- Oakland Ballet School
There are lots of little bows with partners and to the audience. We wore silk jackets with fans.
Russian (Holly) Oakland Ballet School
costume: black boots, red sash, large hat,
They jump in with their hilarious hats. There is this guy in the center who does fouettes while holding a sword. They have an annual thing where they take a mafia photo where they’re serious and trying to be scary. But their not.
Mother Ginger (Holly) 2017-2019- Oakland Ballet School
I have been in the Gingersnaps for the past 3 years. In my variation, only one person gets to go under the skirt- so I have always been disappointed. The littlest snap goes under the skirt and her job is to hide from Mother Ginger, who gets really annoyed. We wear little brown costumes with colorful fringe that looks like icing.
Chinese (Chiara) 2018 and 2019 age 11, age 12 - Oakland Ballet Company
costume: hat, bright pink dyed shoes, hot pink pants and a patterned vest
This dance was very complicated with lots of tiny jumps and details. We hold ribbons attached to a professional dancers back. It is supposed to resemble the fairy tale of the emperor and the nightingale (which I am not familiar with). In our variation there are four little Emperors and we are trying to capture the bird. The music is very fast and sometimes it is hard not to rush and remember our corrections. In addition to that, if you made a wrong move the ribbon could wrap around the nightingale's (actually a professional dancer) neck and choke her. My favorite part was when we fall over at the end.
Snow Scene (Chiara) 2018 and 2019 age 11, age 12 - Oakland Ballet Company
coutume: beanie, white leotard, socks, gloves, AND A BIG OLD SNOWBALL
I had always been mesmerized by the snow scene. They seemed so poised, so graceful, and so elegant. When I was cast as a snowball in 6th grade and again in 7th, I was more than happy to join in the beautiful wintery dance. And then I saw it. My snowball costume. It was enormous and bounced with every step I took. It was slightly heavy and was made a layer upon layers of tulle. We had hats, gloves and socks as well. The costume was very well made but I felt ridiculous. I was miserable right up until the opening show. Since I had lived in California for my entire life, I rarely saw snowfall and seeing even fake snowfall had me amazed. I was so excited that I got to dance in the winter wonderland that had just opened up I didn’t even have to fake a smile It was really magical and for the first time ever, I got to experience the magic of the Nutcracker while performing in it.
Backstage (Chiara) 2012-2019 and onward-
There is this special feeling of performing. When the spotlights illuminate you and you show the world what you have practiced since September. It is when those nervous and anxious feelings melt away and you perform. You have it all in your head and let it out. Performances bring dancers together in a special way that nothing else can. I remember going backstage to watch my dad dance. I was in the wings looking at them dance just like I did when they were practicing. It was simply magical. I hope you get to watch a Nutcracker this winter. It is an experience like no other.
