Nutcracker-Most Loved Ballet
One of the most loved ballet, The Nutcracker tells the story of a young girl’s encounters with both strange and wonderful creatures at Christmastime,
all set to the captivating music of Tchaikovsky. You Students will enjoy watching a live performance, and they don’t have to go all the way into the city to see this beautiful ballet.
To explain The Nutcracker to a child, focus on the main story elements: Clara receives a nutcracker doll on Christmas, which comes to life after she falls asleep, and she joins it on a magical dream journey after helping it defeat the evil Mouse King. Use picture books and music to introduce characters and themes, focusing on the parts of the story that are magical and exciting, and explaining that the rest of the ballet is a dream.
Before the Ballet
Read the Story Together:
Get a picture book version of The Nutcracker to show your child the characters and plot points
Introduce the Music:
Play some of the famous music from the ballet ahead of time so your child can recognize it during the performance and stay engaged
Explain the “Dream”:
Tell your child that after Clara falls asleep, the rest of the story is a beautiful dream where magical things happen
Discuss Ballet Etiquette:
Explain the importance of being quiet and respectful during the live performance
During the Performance
Focus on Visuals:
Look at the costumes, the set, and the dancers’ movements
Point Out Key Moments:
Briefly point out special things to look for, such as the Mouse King’s battle or the beautiful snowflake dances
Curriculum Connections: Visual Arts, Dance, Music, Reading, Social Skills