The Nutcracker ballet is a beloved holiday tradition for many families. Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the ballet tells the story of a young girl named Clara who is gifted a nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. After Clara falls asleep, her nutcracker doll comes to life and leads her on a magical adventure.
There are a few different staged versions of The Nutcracker ballet that have some variations in choreography, set design, and casting. However, there are two main different Nutcracker productions that stand out as distinct versions: the classic Russian Imperial Ballet version choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, and the Americana version choreographed by George Balanchine.
The Original: The Imperial Ballet Nutcracker
The original Nutcracker ballet was choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov and debuted in 1892 at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia. This Imperial Ballet version is set in 19th century Russia and follows a traditional ballet aesthetic.
Some key features of the original Imperial Ballet Nutcracker include:
- Choreographed by Petipa and Ivanov, the fathers of classical ballet
- Set in 19th century Russia with detailed period costumes and sets
- The principal roles of Clara (known as Masha in the original) and the Nutcracker Prince were danced by adult ballerinas and danseurs, as was tradition at the Imperial Ballet
- The choreography includes classic ballet moves like the pas de deux between the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier
- Tchaikovsky’s iconic Nutcracker score is used in its entirety
- The battle scene between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King is quite extensive
This Imperial Ballet version adheres closely to the original E.T.A. Hoffmann Nutcracker story. It immerses the audience in the lavish world of the Russian Imperial court and ballet.
Act I
In Act I of the Imperial Ballet version, young Masha attends a Christmas Eve party at which she is given a nutcracker doll as a gift. After the party, Masha falls asleep near the Christmas tree and her nutcracker doll comes to life to defend her from an army of mice led by the fierce Mouse King. Masha aids the Nutcracker and he defeats the Mouse King, then transforms into a handsome prince who takes Masha on adventures in the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets.
Act II
Act II shows Masha and the Prince arriving in the Kingdom of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy. Subjects from different lands entertain them with dances including chocolate, coffee, tea, flowers, and candy. The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier dance a beautiful pas de deux. At the end, Masha awakens back home from her magical dream.
The Americana Version: Balanchine’s Nutcracker
In 1954, famous choreographer George Balanchine created a new production of The Nutcracker for the New York City Ballet. With a distinctly American aesthetic, Balanchine’s version has become the standard Nutcracker production performed by ballet companies across the U.S.
Some key features of the Balanchine Nutcracker include:
- Choreographed by George Balanchine, co-founder of the revolutionary New York City Ballet
- Sets and costumes designed with a mid-20th century American aesthetic
- Clara is danced by a young child and the Nutcracker a teenage boy
- Dances showcase Balanchine’s fast and athletic choreography style
- Some of Tchaikovsky’s score is cut to keep the ballet moving briskly
- The battle scene is abbreviated with subtle miming
Balanchine’s version shifts the focus of the ballet more heavily onto Clara/Marie and her childlike perspective. The choreography and designs create a unique American style for this beloved Russian story ballet.
Act I
Act I establishes the holiday party at Marie’s home where she receives a nutcracker as a gift. After the guests leave, Marie falls asleep and dreams that her nutcracker comes to life to battle an army of mice. Marie aids the Nutcracker in defeating the seven-headed Mouse King and then accompanies him through the snowy forest to the Kingdom of Sweets.
Act II
In Act II, Marie and the Prince arrive at the Kingdom of Sweets where they are greeted by the Sugarplum Fairy and the Cavalier. Marie is entertained with dances of candy, flowers, snow, and international sweets. The Sugarplum Fairy dances a grand pas de deux with the Cavalier. At the end, Marie awakens from her dream and runs to look for her beloved nutcracker doll.
Comparison of Key Differences
While the essential story remains the same, there are some significant differences between the classic Russian Imperial Ballet version of The Nutcracker and the Americana Balanchine version:
Element | Imperial Ballet Version | Balanchine Version |
---|---|---|
Setting & Era | 19th century Russia | Early 20th century America |
Clara’s Age | Played by adult ballerina | Played by child dancer |
Nutcracker’s Age | Played by adult danseur | Played by teenage boy dancer |
Choreography Style | Classical ballet by Petipa and Ivanov | Athletic and brisk by Balanchine |
Battle Scene | Long and extensive | Abbreviated and subtle |
Tchaikovsky’s Score | Used in its entirety | Some parts cut to keep action moving |
Conclusion
In summary, there are two distinct staged versions of The Nutcracker ballet that are performed extensively today. The original Imperial Ballet production choreographed in Russia in the 19th century has a traditional classical approach. George Balanchine’s Americana version from the 1950s uses a modern choreographic and design aesthetic. Both versions tell the same magical holiday story of young Clara and her adventures with the Nutcracker Prince, but they differ significantly in style based on their historical and national origins. The Imperial Ballet version immerses audiences in a lavish Russian winter wonderland, while Balanchine’s version creates a uniquely American dreamlike celebration of dance and imagination.