by Martha Madison
A tradition established in the early years at the Dance Arts School is the annual “Nutcracker Tea Party.” The event is an interactive ballet for children ages 2-6. After the ballet performance, children are invited to a tea party with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. Apple juice is served in real china teacups. In 40 years, tiny hands have yet to drop and break a cup!
Nutcracker Ballet Tea Party
Teacups and toe shoes and
Tiny twinkle lights,
You’re invited to a party with
Dancing Mice and Arabian Knights.
You can wear your prettiest tutu and
Your very best ballet shoes, but be sure
They’re not too slippery when you do the
dance you choose.
The Dance Arts Students will perform for
You and let you dance some too.
The Nutcracker is a favorite this time
Of year, and it won’t disappoint you.
Then it’s tea time with pinkies up and
Cupcakes to eat.
The whole event is sure to be a very
Special treat.
So join us if you can and let us know real soon!
We’ll do our best to make a special
Christmas memory for you!
By Miss Char
Char Allen taught the Young Children’s Program at Dance Arts 18 years. She is now retired.
INTERESTING FACTS about the Nutcracker Ballet that even a die-hard fan might not know…
-When “The Nutcracker” first debuted on Dec. 18, 1892, in St. Petersburg, Russia, the ballet was met with MIXED REVIEWS. Even the ballet’s composer, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, DIDN’T LIKE HIS SCORE.
-The FIRST PEFORMANCE of “The Nutcracker” in the UNITED STATES was 1940 when the BalletRusse de Monte Carlo performed a shortened version in New York City.
-In 1954, choreographer George Balanchine’s version of the ballet was BROADCAST TWICE ON NETWORK TELEVISION.
-Ever wonder WHAT THE DEAL WITH NUTCRACKERS IS? According to German folklore, nutcrackers are given as symbols to bring luck to your family and home. The wooden figure WARDS OFF EVIL AND IS A MESSENGER OF GOOD LUCK AND GOODWILL.
