The Christmas Spirit continued as Sunday found a friend and myself were seated in the balcony of a beautifully restored theater building preparing to complete another of my “bucket list” selections. I was prepared to witness a live production of The Nutcracker Ballet. From my childhood days in Stockton, Kan., my mother seemed to want me to experience all musical interests, to see what could become a good fit. My parents started me taking piano lessons at age 5 with Mrs. Pauley as my first piano teacher. At age 6, I was enrolled in a dance class and fitted into tap shoes. The following year, I graduated into ballet slippers and I was enthralled. My first dance recital children my age were dressed as flower. We danced around wearing a large pedaled cap tied around my neck. I loved it, but after my family moved from Stockton to our Jewell County farm, the only dance lessons were given many miles and miles away.
From time to time, I’d hear or read about The Nutcracker Ballet presentation. After seeing some of the ballet on television, I dreamed of attending a live performance, seeing all the costumes, ballet dancers and listening to the classical music. When I married, I planned to take my daughters to see this performance. But I had two sons and their interest was more into sports and farming. Having granddaughters gave me hope of taking them to see The Nutcracker, but they lived a distance away and it seemed the productions of The Nutcracker were in large cities, hundreds of miles away. My dream was put on hold.
Recently I heard a production was coming within 50 miles. I made a commitment to purchase tickets.
As the curtains opened, I was captured by the famous story, seeing the 100 ballet performers in their lovely costumes, as they danced to Tchaikovsky’s music. There were young girls and boys seated nearby. Throughout the two hour production, they were wrapped up in what was taking place on stage presented by The Midwest Ballet.
For those not familiar with this famous ballet performed at Christmas around the world, The Nutcracker is based on a book “The Nutcracker And The Mouse King.” The story was turned into a ballet during the classical period of ballet. Peter Tchaikovsky wrote the music towards the end of his life. It was first performed in 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia. The first American production was performed in 1944 by the San Francisco Ballet.
My friend and I are thankful we were able to attend and witness The Nutcracker ballet. It fits right in with this Christmas season’s preparation and celebration.
Merry Christmas but please remember that Jesus Is The True Reason For The Season.
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