Snowflakes and Sugarplum Fairies

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the New York City Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. Composed by the great Russian composer Tschaikovsky in 1891, The Nutcracker was based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s tale, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” The ballet first premiered in 1892 but, though a Christmas classic today, it was poorly received and did not have much success until legendary choreographer George Balanchine adapted it in 1954. Balanchine’s Nutcracker was a huge hit, and it is his version that is such a staple of the Christmas season today—and which I was lucky enough to see the New York City Ballet perform.

Seated in Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater, a magnificent space that just went through a multi-million dollar renovation, my friend Tracy and I watched the curtain go up with as much excitement and awe as the little girls in adorably frilly dresses who were scattered all around us, eagerly nudging their parents as the show began. Over the next two hours, we were entranced by the stunning display that leapt and swirled and pirouetted before us. Every moment of the show was wonderful and memorable, but I’ll share a few of my favorite highlights.

First off, the set and its mechanics were amazing. From the Christmas tree that rises all the way to the ceiling and the flurry of snow that sparkles around the Snowflake dancers, to the sweetly glittering gingerbread-like backdrop of the Land of Sweets and the sleigh that takes Marie and the Prince up and away at the close of the second act, the scenery is spectacular, as is the complex rigging that keeps it all operating on cue.

I absolutely loved watching the children in the performance, of which there were many more than I had remembered. Some looked as young as six or seven, but all were charming as they flitted across the stage in an assortment of roles, looking both extremely talented and incredibly adorable.

Also amazingly talented was the orchestra, led by conductor Maurice Kaplow. They brought Tchaikovsky’s brilliant yet familiar score to life, capturing all of its whimsical nuance and vibrant force and providing the perfect accompaniment to the dancers’ movements. The dancers, meanwhile, perfectly complemented the music, performing with grace and vitality that brought the show wonderfully to life.

There were the dynamic steps of the soldiers in their battle with the mice, and the graceful twirls of the Snowflakes. Tea’s mid-air splits were exhilarating, as were Candy Cane’s spins and multiple jumps through his hula hoop. And the grand finale performance of the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier was a stunning display of grace and strength as the duo executed flawless pirouettes, lifts, and leaps, the Sugarplum Fairy spinning, balancing, and even sliding on her tip-toes (an ability that never ceases to amaze me). And all were synchronized to the orchestra’s music with precision.

When the curtain rose, the audience’s heartfelt applause showed that Tracy and I were not the only ones who had been captivated by the show and impressed by its amazing performers. We left the theater full of holiday excitement, eager for Christmas cookies and candies and stockings and snow, and inspired to attempt a few pirouettes of our own.

The Nutcracker will be running through January 3 at Lincoln Center. Click here for tickets and more information.