By Mary Damiano

When the Miami City Ballet performs its annual production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker this month, it will wow audiences young and old, dance lovers and those who may never attend a ballet outside of this production.

	A scene from the Miami City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker Photo: Steve Caras

What started in Russia more than a hundred years ago has evolved and endured, becoming one of the best-loved and most performed ballets in history.  The Nutcracker has become a symbol of the holiday season, with music that is familiar even to those who have never seen the ballet performed. Music from The Nutcracker was used in Disney’s 1940 animated masterpiece Fantasia.  The ballet about a little girl’s unusual Christmas present and the dreams that it inspires has been re-imagined as musical comedy and as satire in various versions.  A few years ago the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus even used the second act of their holiday concert to present a comical drag version of The Nutcracker.

According to Edward Villella, founding artistic director of Miami City Ballet, the enduring appeal of The Nutcracker lies in its ability to enchant generation after generation.

“Nutcracker is one of those timeless productions,” Villella says.  “For many it is the first ballet they have ever seen and it leaves a lasting impression. The music and choreography are so outstanding that I think it is the most beautiful way to be introduced to our art form. Children love it and adults remember the first time they saw it and appreciate it again in their maturity. It is just one of those wonderful experiences that you don't mind having again and again. 

	A Candy Cane moment from the Miami City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker Photo: Steve Caras

The Nutcracker ballet is based on The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, a story by E.T.A Hoffman and published in Germany in 1816.  Novelist Alexandre Dumas wrote an adaptation of the story which was set to music by Tchaikovsky.  The ballet was originally choreographed by Marius Petipa in 1891. Apparently, Tchaikovsky was dissatisfied with The Nutcracker and considered it a lesser piece.  It premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1892 to limited success. 

The ballet was performed in England in 1934, its first performance outside of Russia.  The first full United States production was performed by the San Francisco Ballet and choreographed by William Christensen. 

But it was Russian-born George Balanchine who made The Nutcracker a Christmas tradition.  He choreographed and premiered his version, performed by the New York City Ballet, in 1954.  The company has staged the ballet every year since. Ballet companies across the country followed suit, and now millions enjoy The Nutcracker as a holiday tradition. 

Although George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, as his version is dubbed, is the benchmark, it’s not the only Nutcracker out there.  A version choreographed by Mikhail Baryshnikov for the American Ballet Theatre has earned acclaimed.  Baryshnikov’s version premiered in 1976 at the Kennedy Center and was re-staged for TV in 1977.  The television version starred Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland.  The TV version of The Nutcracker was released on video and DVD, and over the years it has outsold every other version of the ballet—and every other ballet video or DVD.  Two renditions of The Nutcracker have been nominated for Emmy Awards—Baryshnikov’s TV version as well as a satirical version by Mark Morris called The Hard Nut, which was broadcast on PBS in 1992. 

The Miami City Ballet is one of those ballet companies that have made George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker a staple of their season.

“Even though we perform Nutcracker each year, there is always something special about this time,” says Villella.  “One of the joys is working with the children in the production. They are so excited to be on stage working with our dancers. The kids work very hard. They take their roles seriously and it is a wonderful way to create a love of the arts that they take with them into adulthood. Also, for a professional dancer, there are many parts in Nutcracker that are coveted, particularly the part of the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier. Many dancers saw this ballet as kids and dancing in the production is kind of a fulfillment of a childhood dream.”

Ever since Miami City Ballet has been performing The Nutcracker, performances of the ballet have been dedicated to Toby Lerner Ansin, a constant supporter of the company. 

“It was a surprise gift and I cried at the time when I found the dedication in the program book,” says Ansin.  “Today it is something I treasure, as Miami City Ballet is my passion. I am honored to be part of it forever.”

	The Nutcracker has kept dancers on their toes for more than 100 years Photo: Steve Caras

Everyone who loves The Nutcracker seems to have a favorite memory attached to it. 

“I have many fond memories of Nutcracker both during my time as a dancer at New York City Ballet and also here at Miami City Ballet directing the production,” says Villella. “One of my greatest memories was seeing my daughter, Crista, dancing the part of Marie, the main character of the ballet.” 

Ansin still remembers seeing The Nutcracker for the first time and has shared enjoyed sharing the tradition with her family.

“It was awesome—the wonder of the tree growing still lingers in my mind,” says Ansin.  “I am looking forward to taking my  2 ½  year old granddaughter this month.  We have been watching the video for a year and she acts it out with me.  This will be a very special first.”

One of the reasons Ansin loves to attend performances of The Nutcracker each year is to watch the children in the audience.

“Every child should experience live performances of ballet, theatre and music,” says Ansin.  “Come and watch the enchanted faces.  That will be your best memory too.”