Make The Nutcracker' A Family Tradition

Tips for sharing a magical family experience.

- Courtney Mclaughlin

The classic holiday ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 fairy tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” with music composed by Peter Tchaikovsky. The ballet premiered in Russia in 1892. It was first performed in the United States in 1944 by the San Francisco Ballet.

Since then, families and children of all ages have attended this ballet as part of the holiday tradition. Is it time to add this outing to your list? Being prepared, managing expectations and getting the little ones into the story ahead of time are just a few ways to make the day merry.

“We find The Nutcracker is often a child’s first introduction to ballet, so setting expectations up front is important,” says Sarah Wheat, communications manager for the Charlotte Ballet. Below are some tips and tricks to make your first or 50th “Nutcracker” outing a huge success.

Before you go

LEARN THE STORY

Several weeks before the performance, start reading “The Nutcracker” as part of the bedtime routine. There are dozens of titles to choose from including the beautifully illustrated children’s book by Susan Jeffers. You can also find A Little Golden Book, picture books or the jazz-inspired “The Nutcracker in Harlem.” Read several versions of the story and compare and contrast how the tale is told.

SET EXPECTATIONS

“The Nutcracker” is a classic ballet about Clara and her nutcracker doll told through dance and music. This is a great opportunity to discuss how ballet might differ from other live performances they’ve experienced.