Does The Nutcracker crack the patience of conductors and dancers?
The Nutcracker: A Timeless Holiday Tradition
Every holiday season, theatres, symphonies, and schools all across North America come alive with the magical sounds of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. It has become a staple of the Christmas season, much like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” With over 200 performances under his belt, conductor Greg Burton is no stranger to this Christmas classic.
Symphony Nova Scotia continues the tradition by bringing Tchaikovsky’s two-act ballet to life at Halifax’s Rebecca Cohn Auditorium. Burton, the conductor, finds new challenges and excitement in each performance. “Tchaikovsky composed an unbelievable piece that has something new in it every year. It’s a difficult piece, so there’s no time for boredom,” he explains.
The Nutcracker premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1892, initially receiving a lukewarm response. Even Tchaikovsky himself thought the audience was bored during the first performance. However, by the mid-20th century, the ballet gained popularity in England and the United States, becoming a beloved holiday tradition for many.
Nancy Ivy, a ballet teacher and owner of KNM Danceworks in Enfield, Nova Scotia, has been teaching The Nutcracker for a decade. She never tires of it because it brings her family and community closer together. Alongside her daughters, Kenzie and Morgan, they produce Nutcracker Dreams, a narrated version of the ballet for easier comprehension.
The Ivy family’s production of Nutcracker Dreams has become a cherished tradition in their small community. Parents, even after their children have graduated, continue to help backstage with props, costumes, and settings. Ivy has witnessed a shift in her community’s interest in ballet since starting the production. “When I first moved here, ballet wasn’t a big thing. But now, families integrate it into their holiday traditions,” she says.
Each December, the community comes together to put on Nutcracker Dreams, and there is never a shortage of eager children willing to participate. The parents show up in full support, creating a sense of unity and joy during the holiday season.
The Nutcracker has stood the test of time, captivating audiences young and old with its enchanting story and beautiful music. It is a tradition that brings families and communities together, spreading holiday cheer and creating lasting memories. As Burton aptly puts it, “People love things they do with their family every year. It makes them feel good and brings that special holiday spirit.”
