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A Nutcracker Debut for your Child
By Leigh Culpepper

The Nutcracker is often a child's first introduction to classical ballet. It is the most widely viewed and performed ballet in the world. Because it involves so many elements that intrigue children--fairies, fantasy, dancing candy, toys and Christmas--Tschaikovsky's masterpiece is a wonderful way to introduce children to the joys of great theater. To make it easier and more enjoyable for your child, read BeyondWork's helpful tips on preparation for the ballet.


 Sections

Tips

Preparation: Prepare your child for the play by going over the story synopsis (below) or reading one of the many great books by authors who have adapted the story for children. You can discuss parts of the play and styles of dance (see activities/questions, below). You also have an opportunity to talk with your child about appropriate behavior during the performance. Go over the differences between watching a movie at home and live theater, including necessary considerations for audience members, etc.

Marking the Date: The show will seem even more special to your child if you mark the calendar, buy a book on The Nutcracker or pick out a special outfit to wear to the show. Help your child to get excited for the upcoming event by discussing the event and its status as a special treat.

Type of Theater: Although most Nutcracker performances are geared for all age groups, a matinee or a special children's theater performance may be most enjoyable for younger children. The atmosphere will be more relaxed and occasional talking and wriggling better tolerated in a venue that is clearly child-oriented.

Seats, Food, and Breaks: Try to get good seats. Your child will be frustrated if they are far away or can't see over other adults. Bring intermission snacks or treats so they don't become cranky. Most importantly, tell your child the only break is during intermission. Encourage them to take that opportunity, but not to ask for other breaks.
 
Synopsis

The following story synopsis is designed to help you explain the story of The Nutcracker to your child in as simple a fashion as possible. Basically, it's important that they understand this is a fairy tale about the beauty and magic of Christmas and the ways that love and joy can transform fantasy into reality.

Scene 1, The Party: The children, Clara and Fritz, are at a party, celebrating Christmas with their family. They are dancing with their friends and family around the tree. They are excited by the arrival of their godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer who brings with him two life-size dancing dolls. Then he gives Clara and Fritz their Christmas gifts. Clara receives a nutcracker doll. She is delighted, but Fritz grabs the doll and promptly breaks it. Clara is heartbroken and begins to cry. Her godfather fixes the doll and she is appeased. The children leave the party to go to bed, but Clara comes back after the lights go down to check on her doll.

Scene 2, The Fight Scene: The Christmas tree begins to grow as Clara watches in amazement. Mice fill the room, led by the Mouse King. The Nutcracker, who has come to life at this point, rushes to save Clara from the Mouse KingHe leads the toy soldiers in a battle against the mice army. Alas, he is unsuccessful in the face of so much opposition. Clara is taken away by the mice and the Nutcracker is also captured. Clara, however, delivers a strong blow to the Mouse King. He collapses as the mice mourn and flee the scene.

Scene 3, The Land of Snow: The Nutcracker turns into a prince and takes Clara on a journey never to be forgotten. Dancing snowflakes and a winter wonderland greet her as she and the prince travel through the night.

Scene 4, The Land of Sweets: In this scene Clara meets the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy. Several dances are performed in this scene, each with their distinct flavor:
  • the Spanish dance
  • the Arabian dance
  • the Chinese dance
  • the Mirliton dance
  • the Waltz of Flowers
  • Finale (the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier dance a pas de deux).
Finale: At the end of the dance, Clara awakens from her dream. She is lying under the Christmas tree and next to her is her beloved Nutcracker.
 
Activities and Questions

1. Read the story with your child. Go over pictures, show children how the story progresses from one phase to another, have them repeat the scenes in sequence to you. Ask them how Clara gets from one place to another. Ask them if the story makes sense.

2. Have your child illustrate the story. After reading a scene, have your child draw the story as he or she remembers it. Have them add their own interpretation as they wish, then discuss what they added.

3. Role Playing. Children love to role play. If possible, find a costume he or she can wear. If he has a favorite character, let him play that role. If other children in the neighborhood are available for the performance, this can be a great way to encourage early discussions among the children about what they see together. Those discussions may inspire them to incorporate the story into their own games. See On Stage: Theater Games and Activities for Kids for more ideas on how to get kids excited about their own theater.

4. Discuss the ballet during intermission. During intermission you may want to ask some questions.

Try asking these questions:
  a. What is the name of the little girl?

b. What Christmas present does her uncle give her?

c. Why do you think the Nutcracker came to life? If he stays "alive," how do you think he'll live in Clara's house--as a brother, a prince, a dad?

d. Who is your favorite character? What do you like about him or her?
 
Theater Manners

These tips help both your kids and the show remain a popular success.
  • Ask questions only during intermission. No talking during the show. This should be emphasized, with the caveat that in an emergency it's ok to whisper in the adult's ear.
  • Don't run in the aisles.
  • Don't eat or drink in the theater. Snacks are ok during intermission but wrapper-opening is not ok during the show.
  • Help your child understand the appropriate times to clap.
 
BeyondWork Easy Extras
  • Nutcracker retold by Fiona Black, based on the story by E. T.A. Hoffman, illustrated by Scott Gustafson, designed by Lynn Binder (Barnes & Nobles Books, 1996, $5.68). This price, equivalent to 5% off the retail price, is available only through the BeyondWork link to Barnes & Noble books.
  • The Story of the Nutcracker retold by Bob Blaisdell, based on the story by E. T.A. Hoffmann, illustrated by Thea Kliros (Dover Publications, Inc., 1997, $.95). This price, equivalent to 5% off the retail price, is available only through the BeyondWork link to Barnes & Noble books.
  • The Young Person's Guide to the Ballet by Anita Ganeri featuring music from The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty by Piotr Ilyich Tschaikovsky (Harcourt, Brace and Company, 1997, $19). This price, equivalent to 5% off the retail price, is available only through the BeyondWork link to Barnes & Noble books.
  • On Stage: Theater Games and Activities for Kids by Lisa Bany-Winters, illustrated by Sean O'Neill (Chicago Review Press, 1997, $12.10). This price, equivalent to 19% off the retail price, is available only through the BeyondWork link to Barnes & Noble books.
  
 
 
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