Sunday Spotlight: The Nutcracker

Welcome to our “Sunday Spotlight” series, where we recognize many of the incredible artists who have been awarded by the Princess Grace Foundation-USA.

The holiday season wouldn’t be as bright without The Nutcracker. It might surprise you that this wasn’t always the case. The Nutcracker has a rich history, starting with its creation as a dark fantasy tale penned by the famous E.T.A. Hoffmann. Years later, the story was adapted by iconic writer Alexandre Dumas, taking a considerably lighter tone and setting the foundation for Tchaikovsky’s ballet. The premiere of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker was reviled by critics and the public and did not become a holiday tradition until George Balanchine's production with the New York City Ballet in 1954. Colorful, cheerful, and family-friendly, it is impossible to not be dazzled by the dance of the Sugarplum Fairy, the sweeping Christmas tree, and the magic of the Land of Sweets.

We are delighted to showcase Princess Grace Award winners in productions of the beloved ballet classic, The Nutcracker. Read below and find a production near you!

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East

BOSTON BALLET

Nov 26–Dec 26, 2021

Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker marks the return of the Boston Ballet to the renowned Citizens Bank Opera House. Catch Chyrstyn Mariah Fentroy (Dance 2016) as the Sugar Plum Fairy and John Lam (Dance 2005) as Herr Drosselmeier. You can also see company dancer Tyson Ali Clark (Dance 2016) amongst the glistening snowflakes and army of mice soldiers. bostonballet.org

AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE

December 10 – 19, 2021

American Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker features choreography by Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Isabella Boylston (Dance 2009), Skylar Brandt (Dance 2013), Catherine Hurlin (Dance 2018), Christine Shevchenko (Dance 2003) star as Clara, the Princess. Also featuring Joseph Gorak (Dance 2011), Blaine Hoven (Dance 2008), Gillian Murphy (Dance 1998), and Cassandra Trenary (Dance 2015). abt.org

NEW YORK CITY BALLET

November 26, 2021–January 02, 2022

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker® features stunning choreography, and magical sets, including a one-ton Christmas Tree that miraculously grows from 12 ft to 41 ft! As you are transported to the world of waltzing flowers and twirling sugar plums, you can see Jared Angle (Dance 2001), Gonzalo Garcia (Dance 2000), Roman Mejia (Dance 2019), Miriam Miller (Dance 2017), and Tiler Peck (Dance 2004) in this enchanting holiday classic. nycballet.com

Mountain West

BALLET WEST

December 4- 26, 2021

Ballet West’s production features choreography by Willam Christensen and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score. Watch Beckanne Sisk (Dance 2012) glide across the stage as the Snow Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Arabian pas de deux. balletwest.org

Southwest

BALLET TUCSON

December 23 – 26, 2021

Under the Artistic Direction of Margret Mullin (Dance 2011), Ballet Tucson brings to life the holiday fantasyland, featuring swirling snowflakes, leaping candy canes, and giant mice. ballettucson.org

West

PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET

November 26 -December 28, 2021

Pacific Northwest Ballet presents George Balanchine's The Nutcracker.®You might just see principal dancer Lucien Postlewaite (Dance 2008) as Cavalier or apprentice Ashton Edwards (Dance 2021) as a guest of the Stahlbaum family holiday party or an inhabitant of the Land of Sweets. pnb.org

Mid Atlantic

THE WASHINGTON BALLET

November 27 – December 26, 2021

The Washington Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker features the celebrated score by Tchaikovsky, choreography by Septime Webre, and stunning lighting design by Christopher Annas-Lee (Theater 2017). Featuring company dancer Gian Carlo Perez (Dance 2017). washingtonballet.org

South Central

HOUSTON BALLET

November 26 - December 24, 2021

Harper Watters (Dance 2015) stars as the Nutcracker Prince in the Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker. With choreography by Stanton Welch, this rendition is a spectacle of opulence designed for ballet lovers of all ages. houstonballet.org

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Interested in learning more about all of our award winners?

Visit us at www.pgfusa.org/award-winners

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Image credit: ABT Theater, Boston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, NYC Ballet, Ballet West, mdtheatreguide.com, Washington Ballet (Victoria Pickering)

Cover Image, Theo Kossenas, Washington Ballet