Dakota Beacon

What does every little girl dream of?

One of the loveliest traditions associated with the Christmas season is Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, The Nutcracker. Composed for a ballet based on the fairy tale by E.T.A. Hoffman, the piece is overflowing with the ingenious and beautiful melodies we all associate with his music. It is dramatic, exciting, invigorating, romantic. It is gorgeous music (and don’t let anyone tell you differently!). The whole ballet is an hour-and-a-half to two hours – well worth your time to watch and listen to, and I will give you a link to one version. There are so, so many versions and concepts for how to present this ballet, the story and the music, that everyone who loves it will have his favorite. Or several favorites (like I do).

You might think you don't have time for a full-length performance, but here are some “highlights” and then the whole thing. Time for gingerbread cookies and milk!

Not a ballet fan? That’s too bad – you’re missing out! At least listen to some of the world’s greatest music while you bake cookies, write Christmas cards or wrap presents! (But I hope you’ll watch – it is truly spectacular!)

The following performances are all great – not necessarily my favorites, but right up there. Each company/choreographer has a different concept, so just enjoy it all!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE NUTCRACKER:

The Waltz of the Flowers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kheVh3jThs

Divertissement

Arabian Dance (“Coffee”): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG0fO-2WY2s

Chinese Dance (“Tea”): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9M5wd7E9NE

Spanish Dance (“Chocolate”): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2m95i4ni2U

Russian Dance (“Trepak”): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiiuN9eAy9Y

Reed Flutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LzzIg2RbK4

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xiBohENRWg

Grand Pas de Deux (a classic version with Rudolf Nureyev and Merle Park): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWVU-eZx6ZE

-OR -

THE WHOLE THING!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMzo-zPO7uc

Are you, by any chance, a JAZZ fan? You might never have heard this – the great Duke Ellington’s version of The Nutcracker:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22UvNbwsmZ8

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