December is upon us and tons of winter and holiday events are happening throughout the city. One thing that always reminds us of the Christmas season is the Nutcracker ballet. This weekend the Ventura County Ballet Presents the Nutcracker with special musical performances from the Ventura College Symphony Orchestra. Executive Director Kathleen Noblin, Choreographer Marina Fliagina and Conductor Robert Lawson have worked hard to bring this ballet to life.
Our dear friend Leo Belleville has written a brilliant synopsis for those of you that may be unfamiliar with the Nutcracker story line; please enjoy.
The Nutcracker, ballet, with a score by Pytor Tchaikovsky, was adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann's story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King and first premiered in December 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Marius Petipa first choreographed the story into a ballet and with adaptations from famed French author, Alexander Dumas the story presented today is slightly different from the original, the basic plot remains the same.
The story is of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and the fierce battle between the Prince and a Mouse King. According to German folklore, nutcrackers were keepsakes designed to bring good luck and to protect the home. The nutcracker legend signifies power, strength, and serves like a constant sentinel guarding the family from evil spirits and danger. When presented as gifts, the nutcracker also serves as a messenger of good luck and goodwill.
Some of Tchaikovsky’s most iconic music, “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” and the “Russian Dance” are part of the ballet and were included in Walt Disney’s 1940 film Fantasia. The San Francisco Ballet company performed the first complete version of The Nutcracker in the United States on Christmas Eve, 1944. Since, The Nutcracker ballet has become a staple at Christmas time, especially with children.
Its popularity with children and families has to do with the one of the main characters, Clara being a young girl who receives the gift of a nutcracker at Christmas. The music and story also become a gateway for parents to present classical music, ballet, and storytelling to their children. Finally, many kids get their first experience performing in The Nutcracker, as tiny dancers are a staple in most versions.
The Nutcracker ballet is an event for everyone. Fantastic and memorable music with dancing mice, toy soldiers, sugar plum fairies, and the Prince ensure there is something for everyone.
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Please check out performances this weekend at Ventura College Performing Arts Center, at Seaton Hall located at 4700 Loma Vista Rd. in Ventura, Ca.
Friday, December 4th at 7 pm
Saturday, December 5th at 2 pm and 7 pm
Sunday, December 6th at 2 pm
Tickets may be purchased at venturacountyballet.com
For more information regarding the Ballet Academy of Ventura please check out www.balletacademyventura.com or email questions to info@balletacademyventura.com
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