Why is The Nutcracker so Famous?

It’s hard to imagine the holiday season without The Nutcracker. With its gorgeous score, brilliant costumes, and whimsical story, this ballet transports audiences to a magical world where dreams come alive. For many people, The Nutcracker is their first introduction to ballet, and for young dancers, it’s typically their first opportunity to experience performing on stage – lighting the spark for ballet lovers and future dancers everywhere. 

However, this beloved ballet wasn’t always the superstar sell-out it is today. So, how exactly did The Nutcracker go from mega flop to unmissable Holiday treat? Let’s find out. 

The Origins of The Nutcracker

After the success of his second ballet, The Sleeping Beauty, Tchaikovsky was commissioned by the director of the Imperial Theatres to work with choreographer Marius Petipa to create a new ballet based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s fairy tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. The original fairy tale is much darker and more sinister than the candy and glitter-filled ballet we know and love today. The story we’re more familiar with is based on Alexandre Dumas’s – better known for his book The Three Musketeers –  shorter and lighter adaptation of Hoffman’s tale. 

From Flop to Fame 

The ballet made its big debut in St. Petersburg in 1892, and the initial performances were far from beloved. Critics were, well, critical of Petipa’s choreography, with one reviewer saying, ”The Nutcracker cannot in any event be called a ballet. It does not satisfy even one of the demands made of a ballet.” Tchaikovsky himself even remarked that he found the production boring. 

However, there was clearly something special in Tchaikovsky’s ethereal score filled with gorgeous waltzes and oh-so-catchy tunes, that would prompt other choreographers to try their hand at reviving this ”failed ballet.”

Over the years, Tchaikovsky’s magical score underwent several adaptations. From Candy Canes to Ginger Snaps, Mirlitons to Marzipan, each choreographer added their unique adaptations of the story with variations of characters and dances. In 1919, Alexander Gorsky created his version, cutting the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, to give Clara and her Prince room to shine, thus introducing the now-familiar love story between Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. In 1934, The Nutcracker left Russia for the first time with a production staged by Nicholas Sergeyev, and from there, slowly but surely, the ”bad” ballet transformed into an irresistible classic.  

The Transition to Holiday Tradition 

With its enchanting story, set against the lively backdrop of a Christmas Eve party, The Nutcracker was destined to become a holiday classic. Today, the annual production of The Nutcracker accounts for an average of 48% of a ballet company’s profits each year.

But what truly solidified The Nutcracker as a beloved holiday tradition was its introduction to Western audiences in the mid-20th century. In 1944, the San Francisco Ballet became the first U.S. company to perform a full-length production of The Nutcracker, staged by artistic director William Christensen, and it became the first to establish it as a yearly tradition. Critics couldn’t believe that this glistening ballet hadn’t been performed in full in the U.S. before and urged choreographers to ”make up for lost time,”  and make up for lost time they did.  

It was George Balanchine’s staging for the New York City Ballet in 1954 that put The Nutcracker on the map, playing a pivotal role in establishing the ballet as a quintessential part of the holiday season. Sticking to Petipa’s tradition of casting children in the roles of Clara and the Prince, Balanchine’s production has gone on to become the most popular staging in the US. 

While Balanchine’s playful production helped to launch the ballet in its position of everlasting seasonal favorite, Sir Peter Wright’s rendition has also become a cornerstone of the ballet repertoire. 

Sir Peter Wright’s 1984 production for The Royal Ballet is the epitome of elegance and tradition. With breathtaking sets, meticulous choreography, and adherence to classical ballet techniques, his interpretation has become a cherished tradition for many ballet companies.

You can hear Peter Wright talk about creating his iconic Nutcracker in this free interview with Darcey Bussell.  

Other notable stagings include Mikhail Baryshnikov’s 1977 made-for-TV production, Rudolf Nureyev’s adaptation for the Royal Swedish Ballet, Kent Stowell’s production for Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Yuri Grigorovich’s staging for the Bolshoi Ballet. 

Modern Productions of The Nutcracker

While most dance companies stick pretty close to Petipa’s and Gorsky’s original, a few innovative choreographers have put their own spin on Tchiakovky’s classic.

Christian Spuck’s The Nutcracker and The Mouse King 

For his take on The Nutcracker, choreographer Christian Spuck goes back to the original dark, eerie, and wonderful heart of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s tale.  Rather than smoothing away the shadows, Spuck embraces them, creating a production that is witty, whimsical, and just a little unsettling. Set in Rufus Didwiszus’s surreal theater workshop, Spuck revives Hoffmann’s forgotten characters, like the tale of Princess Pirlipat, cursed to become a nut monster. Combined with Tchaikovsky’s radiant score, Spuck’s The Nutcracker and The Mouse King is witty, vividly imaginative, and wonderfully strange. 

Learn more about Spuck’s imaginative productions in our article 5 Ballets Choreographed by Christian Spuck.

Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! 

Sir Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! is a refreshingly modern take on an everlasting classic. He transforms Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet into something altogether sweeter and sharper. Trading the traditional aristocratic Christmas setting for Dr.Dross’s Orphanage, Bourne’s story follows young Clara on a bittersweet journey from monochrome misery to the technicolor candy kingdom of Sweetieland. Here we meet a whole new cast of characters like King Sherbet, Queen Candy, the Marshmallow Girls, and a punky gang of Gobstoppers. With Anthony Ward’s sumptuous candy-box designs, Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, and Bourne’s iconic choreography, this Nutcracker! Is a visually indulgent pink-hued fantasy that’s fun for the whole family. 

Everlasting Appeal 

At its core, the journey of The Nutcracker from a failed ballet in the 19th century to its current status as a cherished holiday classic is a testament to the impact and power of artistry and storytelling. Tchaikovsky’s enchanting melodies, Hoffmann’s timeless themes, and the ever-evolving creative choreography continue to weave their spell, captivating audiences year after year, reaffirming its place as an adored tradition, sparkling with festive spirit.

Immerse yourself in the Sugar Plum spirit with full-length productions of The Nutcracker– plus behind-the-scenes extras – available for streaming on Marquee TV. Visit our Ballet Collection to explore and discover more of Tchaikovsky’s beautiful ballets and ignite the magic of the holiday season.