The Nutcracker Ballet

 

All things Nutcracker for Current Performers:

       Nutcracker Information Page 2024
The link above contains rehearsal schedules, casting information, and general performance information.

 

 

The Nutcracker Ballet

Show Dates:
Friday, December 20th 7pm
Saturday, December 21st at 2pm.

Show Location:
Ponderosa High School (7007 Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker CO)

Purchase Tickets:
Nutcracker Tickets

 

The Nutcracker Story

Prologue

It is Christmas Eve in New England, 1830. The night is cold. Herr Drosselmeyer, the magician, famous clock maker, toy maker, and godfather to Clara Stahlbaum, is seen walking with his apprentice. Herr Drosselmeyer is on his way to a Holiday Party at the Stahlbaum House. Other excited guests, dressed in their holiday best, are also on their way to the party.

Party Scene

Clara, Stahlbaum and her younger brother, Freddy are seen arguing in the Stahlbaum house, when Unlce Drosselmeyer enters and greets the family. Clara, Freddy, together with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stahlbaum, and the maid and butler, welcome all of the guests. A beautiful Christmas tree stands glistening with candles and ornaments. The Stahlbaum’s exchange gifts with their guests as the party goes into full swing. Adults laugh and converse while the children play with their new toys.

In the midst of these festivities, Uncle Drosselmeyer brings along with him a Ballerina Doll, Harlequin Doll, and Columbine Doll and they dance. Clara loves the Ballerina Doll.  All the children receive gifts, but there is not a gift for Clara, then Drosselmeyer surprises her by giving her the Nutcracker doll. Clara is overjoyed and begins dancing with her new doll. Clara’s mischievous brother, Freddy, grabs the doll and breaks it. Uncle Drosselmeyer, repairs the Nutcracker. Clara and her girlfriends dance with their dolls. The adults join hands for the stately Grandfather’s Dance. The festive evening comes to an end and the guests say their good-byes. Clara wants to take her Nutcracker doll to sleep but her mother asks her to leave it by the tree.

The Battle

Later that night, in the dark and quiet drawing room, Clara enters with a flickering candle, looking for her Nutcracker. She takes it in her arms and falls asleep on the couch. Huge and small mice scurry around the room frightening Clara, then, under Uncle Drosselmeyer’s orders, the mice are sent away. Drosselmeyer comforts Clara, dances with her, and asks her “Would like to see the Nutcracker dance?” Clara excitedly replies “Yes!” and Drosselmeyer does and then brings the room to life as the tree to grows to wondrous proportions. Clara is in awe and knights the Nutcracker Prince before he must battle the mice.

The mice are back! This time, with their leader, the frightening seven headed Mouse Queen! The Nutcracker Prince summons his troop of toy soldiers to a ferocious battle. At the point of the Nutcracker’s defeat, Clara rushes in and helps him. The Nutcracker defeats the Mouse Queen and Drosselmeyer arrives to take his sword and introduce them to the Snow Queen.

Winter Wonderland

The Snow Queen welcomes Clara and the Nutcracker to the Winter Wonderland Forest.  The Snow Queen asks Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, “Do you want to see snowflakes dance?” They answer “Yes”, and the Snow Queen and snowflakes dance. The snow scene ends with Clara and the Nutcracker on the Royal Sled.

~INTERMISSION~

The Candy Kingdom

Clara and the Nutcracker Prince arrive at the gates of Candyland. Sugar Angels and an assortment of Candies are ready to perform for them, and the beautiful Sugarplum Fairy greets them.

The Nutcracker Prince tells the story of how Clara and he defeated the Mouse Queen. The Sugarplum Fairy commands a celebration in their honor. Clara is presented with gifts from the dancers: Spanish Chocolate, Marzipan Flute, Arabian Coffee, Chinese Tea, Russian Ribbon Candy, Gingerbread and all. Clara is crowned a princess, and the Nutcracker is awarded with a medal for his bravery.

The dancers dance for Clara. The Sugarplum and her Cavalier perform a glorious Grand Pas de Deux.

Finalé

Clara awakes back in her home. Was this all in her imagination? Uncle Drosselmeyer loves Clara and her family, what a wonderful holiday it’s been!

 

 

 

About our Nutcracker:

All dancers enrolled in ballet have the opportunity to audition for our annual production of the Nutcracker!

For our annual production of the Nutcracker, we spare no detail in creating a truly enchanting experience. The combination of stunning costumes, captivating music, artistic sets, and a timeless story beautifully illustrates the art and grace of ballet, as well as the remarkable skill of our dancers. If you are a dancer or the parent of one, we invite you to make the Nutcracker ballet a cherished part of your holiday tradition. Begin this magical journey now and discover how the dance school your child attends can bring the wonder and promise of the Nutcracker to life in your celebrations!

 

Requirements to Participate
  • All dancers must be currently taking ballet and must be 5 years or older
  • There are 2 performances before the Christmas holiday
Rehearsal Schedule
  • Rehearsals are scheduled to run 9 weekends on Sat/Sun afternoons.
  • Weekend #1 is at the end of September or start of October
  • We will not rehearse the weekend of second weekend of Fall Break
  • We will not rehearse the weekend of Thanksgiving Weekend
  • All dancers will get at least two parts in the show. The older and more advanced the dancer, the more likely she will be coming multiple times over the weekend. The younger the dancer, the more we try to keep them to just one afternoon per weekend.
Participation Fee
  • The Performance Fee is $380 (can be split in two payments). This covers: all 10 studio
    rehearsals, the dress rehearsal at the theater, a free T shirt, the digital videos of both shows, and all costume fittings and costumes.
    (Tickets, professional pictures, additional dvd’s, dancewear, shoes and tights not included)