THE HISTORY OF
THE NUTCRACKER
Nutcracker before Mr. C
In 1816, E.T.A. Hoffman wrote The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. The story tells of a Christmas party at which little Clara, daughter of the house, receives the gift of a nutcracker from her mysterious uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer. After the party, she falls asleep and dreams of dancing snow, sugarplums, and her nutcracker, which turns into a handsome prince.
Nutcracker begins in the U.S
From a tour with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo to a cross-country move to San Francisco by Willam Christensen, this pivotal moment marked the beginning of The Nutcracker’s enduring presence in American culture, eventually leading to its status as a beloved holiday tradition across the country.
Willam Christensen
WHEN A REPORTER ASKED WILLAM CHRISTENSEN for how many years The Nutcracker would be staged, he responded, “It will go on for as long as there are children.”
Nutcracker comes to Utah
Since 1955, Willam Christensen’s The Nutcracker has been the centerpiece of Salt Lake City’s holiday festivities. Tchaikovsky’s moving score, magical costumes, and fairytale sets combine to create one of the most visually stunning productions of The Nutcracker in the world today.
1955 Nutcracker – First in Utah
From the very beginning of The Nutcracker until today, Clara has been the most coveted role for every little girl.
8 Missed Steps
After receiving degrees in both ballet and finance from the University of Utah, Ed Farley came to Ballet West and rose to the rank of Soloist under Artistic Director Bruce Marks.
Ed, a bit mischievous, has documented some of his favorite flops, fiascoes, and full-fledged failures in The Nutcracker during his time dancing in it, which we have dutifully listed.
8 Missed Steps
After receiving degrees in both ballet and finance from the University of Utah, Ed Farley came to Ballet West and rose to the rank of Soloist under Artistic Director Bruce Marks.
Ed, a bit mischievous, has documented some of his favorite flops, fiascoes, and full-fledged failures in The Nutcracker during his time dancing in it, which we have dutifully listed.
Costumes
The costumes in The Nutcracker are elaborate and vibrant, bringing the enchanting characters and magical settings to life with rich details and vivid colors. From the elegant attire of the party guests to the whimsical outfits of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the colorful garb of the international dancers, the costumes play a crucial role in creating the ballet’s festive and fantastical atmosphere.
Timeline
The Nutcracker ballet, composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, premiered in St. Petersburg in 1892, gained immense popularity by the mid-20th century. In Utah, the ballet has become a cherished holiday tradition, with annual performances by Ballet West since 1963, contributing to its enduring cultural significance in the region.
Playbill Covers
The Nutcracker has had a variety of guises over the decades to keep up with advertising trends. Here are many of them through the years.
