Ballet Arts Worcester - The Nutcracker

A holiday Must!

The Nutcracker is an annual part of Ballet Arts Worcester's season, and a chance for the school's young performers to put to work the skills they've learnt throughout the year. The show is made up of dancers aged seven upwards, some of whom are part of the school's company, and others who have battled through the rigorous open auditions.

The show itself is a fine Christmas treat. There's a reason why it has become such a holiday favorite across the US and indeed, across the world. The perfect ballet for connoisseurs and ballet novices, its memorable Tchaikovsky score and simple to follow storyline make it a great introduction for young children to the grace ad beauty of the art form. The Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra will be providing the live musical accompaniment.

What is The Nutcracker About?

The Nutcracker opens on Christmas Eve, in the Stahlbaum house. There's music and presents and food, and the three Stahlbaum children are beside themselves with joy at the wonder of it all. There's danger on the horizon though, heralded by the arrival at the door of local magician Drosselmeyer. He brings bearing gifts for the children, including a wooden nutcracker. This is just the start of an adventure which will lead our characters into a war between mice and gingerbread men and through the Land of Sweets.