A time-honored holiday tradition for many is a viewing of the classic ballet The Nutcracker, set to the music of Tchaikovsky. Here are just a few cities across the nation to view this beloved dance performance on stage.
San Francisco Ballet at War Memorial: San Francisco, CA
Image courtesy of sfballet.org
As is often the case, there’s nothing quite like the original. This proves true for the San Francisco Ballet, which performed The Nutcracker for American audiences for the very first time on Christmas Eve in 1944. Since then, countless other ballet companies across the nation have followed suit and embraced the tradition, but there’s something to be said about the one that came first.
Nashville Ballet at TPAC: Nashville, TN
Image courtesy of tpac.org
Full disclosure: Our main office is located in Music City, so we may be a bit biased when we say that the Nashville Ballet’s Nutcracker at TPAC is one of the best. This version is set in Nashville in 1897, the year of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the state’s entry into the union. In combination with the stunning costumes and dances, this mini lesson on Nashville’s history will make the whole family appreciate their country Christmas.
Ballet West at Capitol Theatre: Salt Lake City, UT
Image courtesy of balletwest.org
For over 50 years, Salt Lake City’s Ballet West has celebrated the holidays with performances of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. A less old but perhaps more fun tradition are the two showings of the The Nutty Nutcracker on December 30th and 31st. This wackier performance features the same choreography, but with a few surprises that are sure to keep little ones entertained.
New York City Ballet at David H. Koch Theater: New York, NY
Image courtesy of nycballet.com
Maybe it’s the frigid temperatures or all the lights, but nothing says Christmas like winter in New York City. The city’s ballet production of The Nutcracker, beautifully choreographed by George Balanchine, includes a gigantic Christmas tree that stands at 41 feet and weighs one ton. Ask about the Sweet Seats VIP package for premium seats and a photo with a company member.
Where’s the location of your most memorable Nutcracker ballet experience? Did we miss your favorite?
