Sharon Sparlin: THE NUTCRACKER BALLET

Act 1, Scene 1: It's Christmas Eve and a night for magic. The family and friends of Herr Stahlbaum gather in the parlor to decorate the Christmas tree. With the tree finished, Herr Stahlbaum sends for the children who stand in awe of the tree as it sparkles with candles and decorations. Let the party begin.

1892 production performed at the Mariinsky Theater in St Petersburg, Russia

The Nutcracker was first performed at the world famous Imperial Mariinsky Theater in St Petersburg, Russia on December 18, 1892. The music and dance of The Nutcracker was first performed in the United States by the San Francisco Ballet Company in 1944 but it wasn't until the late 1960's that the ballet popularity skyrocketed. Now a December tradition, The Nutcracker is being performed by countless ballet companies around the United States.

I had the wonderful privilege of attending a performance of Carmen at the Mariinsky Theater when I visited St. Petersburg, Russia in 2013.

Imperial Mariinsky Theater in St Petersburg, Russia

Last night Ballet Yuma magically transformed Yuma High School Snider Auditorium into young Clara’s dream world. From the excitement of the von Stahlbaum's Christmas party to fighting soldiers and mice, the entire performance was simply enchanting as Clara and her Nutcracker Prince made their way through the Land of Snow and the Land of the Sweets.

This colorful 2-act production of The Nutcracker was set to the original choreography of Kathleen Sinclair, Jon Cristofori and Emma M.K. Cong.

Musical favorites included the Overture, Waltz of the Snowflakes, Candy Canes (Trepek), Dance of the Reed Flutes, Waltz of the Flowers, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Final Waltz, just to name a few. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky wrote the music for the ballet during the early 1890's, toward the end of his life. From the original 24 songs he made a selection of eight to form The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a which was intended for concert performances. Enjoy the music - Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Soundtrack.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Now in its 24th season Ballet Yuma is recognized nationally as one of the best pre-professional ballet companies in the country and is Arizona’s only representative in Regional Dance America (RDA).