The end of Thanksgiving is the signal for the month of December to begin with all of its holiday splendor. One of the memorable traditions of this time of year is the yearly return of the Nutcracker Ballet. Tchaikovsky's magisterial opus captivated me as a child as I jumped and soared to its melodies and themes; my LP record had numerous scratches as I would search for my favorite sections of the music. My first viewing of the ballet on television was a revelation since I knew the music and story so well. Since I did not have the opportunity to go to dancing school, I made a promise to myself that my children would have that option.
Although neither one of them had an affinity for ballet, they loved to watch the Nutcracker live or on the screen. I still remember the first time we attended it at Stamford's Palace Theatre. Patricia McBride and other luminaries from the New York City Ballet portrayed the characters as we watched from our front row seats. Several years later we went to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree, the store windows and finally George Balanchine's version at the New York State Theatre. The Nutcracker and New York City reached the apex for our family.
The Westport Academy of Dance will present its 28th production of this classic next Saturday and Sunday, December 5th and 6th at Staples High School. What a marvelous way to introduce the youngest members of your family to an awe-inspiring experience. If your children are a little older, they may prefer the Ballet Etudes Company's full-length holiday production at the Westport Country Playhouse featuring Michelle Wiles, principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre and Arch Higgins, soloist of the New York City Ballet. Should you be up for a trip to Manhattan, you may want to try the New York City Ballet's thrilling conception with the gorgeous party, brave soldiers, scary mice, dreamy snowstorm, and triumphant ending.
To prepare yourself, come to the Library to get the CD, DVD or book about this ballet and its creator.
