A Visual History of The Nutcracker

START

Over a century old, The Nutcracker first debuted in December 1892 when composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky–the same man responsible for the scores of Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty–was commissioned by the director of the Russian Imperial Theatres to create a two-part opera and ballet. The opera, Iolanta, would be Tchaikovsky’s last, and the ballet was based on an adaptation of the story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by Alexandre Dumas titled “The Story of the Nutcracker.” With Lev Ianov credited as the choreographer of the first performance, the ballet received lukewarm recognition. In the mid-20th century, however, dance companies brought the show to England and New York where it gained popularity for its festive story, beautiful costumes, and enchanting choreography. With young Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, Snowflakes, Mouse King, and Nutcracker Prince, himself, The Nutcracker has become a favorite, returning to the stage each holiday season. Click through to see highlights from various international productions of the famed ballet throughout the years.

END

prev link: https://www.crfashionbook.com/culture/g30286282/the-nutcracker-ballet-photos/
createdAt:Thu, 19 Dec 2019 19:49:27 +0000
displayType:Gallery
section:Culture