Many Monterey Bay Parent readers enjoy the seasonal tradition of attending a performance of The Nutcracker Ballet. This classic tale of a nutcracker who comes to life on Christmas Eve, dancing with sugar plum fairies and a villainous Mouse King, captures the hearts of both young and old.
Performed first in St. Petersburg, Russia, in December 1892, The Nutcracker Ballet loosely follows the plot of E.T.A. Hoffman’s short story, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” The ballet’s composer, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, selected eight popular pieces, known as the Nutcracker Suite, to create the 2-act performance.
Fun fact: The Nutcracker wasn’t received very well by audiences then. Even Tchaikovsky himself is quoted as not enjoying it!
However, with a few choreography changes and minor rewrites, the ballet became worldwide famous. Because nutcrackers and sugar plum fairies come to life on Christmas Eve, this classic performance has become a beloved symbol of the season. The Nutcracker is the most frequently performed of all ballets, and because of the whimsical characters, The Nutcracker serves as an introduction to classical music for many young people.
I chatted with Tia Brown, artistic director and founder of the local nonprofit Monterey Peninsula Ballet Theatre (MPBT). Brown oversees this year’s production of The Nutcracker, which will be performed at the Sunset Cultural Center in Carmel.
“This year’s production is a phenomenal group, with almost 150 performers and at least two roles for each dancer,” says Brown. “It’s a lot of moving parts!”
Brown and Laura Jeselnick, owners and Artistic Directors of the Dance Center in Carmel, founded The Monterey Peninsula Ballet Theater to show Monterey Peninsula youth that there’s more to the arts than tights and tutus. Students learn about lighting, sound, choreography, music, and the structure and organization behind the scenes. Brown and Jeselnick believe that by encouraging younger people to attend these performances, kids realize they, too, have a place in the arts.
The Nutcracker during daytime hours so students from Salinas and surrounding areas can attend. MPBT does this because students in the 5th grade age range are found to be most impacted by the arts. Students develop an interest in the arts by attending these performances, inspiring them to pursue that path.
“It has been wonderful to see everyone–from volunteers to choreographers–settle into their positions,” says Brown. “It’s a proud moment for all our students as they grow into young men and women.”
“MPBT is not just about growing amazing dancers; it’s about growing amazing people,” says Brown. “The confidence these students have to step onto a stage in front of 700 people is incredible. It’s about creating well-rounded and responsible, determined members of society.”
Aleah Mohamed is a USAF veteran and stay-at-home mom. When she’s not spending time in her garden or at the beach, she’s in the kitchen learning about fermentation and old-world cooking.
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