The Nutcracker

Did you know…

• The Nutcracker Ballet is based on the book called "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" written by E.T.A. Hoffman. 
• In 1891, the legendary choreographer Marius Petipa commissioned Tchaikovsky to write the music for the Nutcracker Ballet.
• In 1892, the first showing of the Nutcracker took place at the Mariinsky Theatre of Russia, home of the Kirov Ballet.
• The Nutcracker made its way to Western Europe in the 1930's and to America by 1940, performed by Ballet Russe. The first American full length Nutcracker was performed by the San Francisco Ballet, choreographed by W. Christensen. The Nutcracker has since become an annual Holiday tradition.

Bulleted information provided by The Nutcracker Ballet

This afternoon Mary is auditioning for The Nutcracker.  Mary takes tap and ballet lessons from Miss Tauna through our local Parks and Recreation department, but was invited to audition at Miss Tauna’s dance studio for this holiday performance.

I’m a bit nerve-wracked as I hate to think what I’m going to have to tell Mary if she doesn’t get a bit part!  I swear when Miss Tauna was explaining it to the parents last week that she made it sound like the little ones got a part regardless of their audition, but now I’m not so sure. 

So…wish us luck!  Either way, I think the auditioning will be a great experience for Mary.  It will allow her to see what dance performance is all about and what the expectations are of more serious dancers (as in dance studio…expensive lessons…required leotards…you get the idea!)