The Enchanting Evolution of The Nutcracker: From Criticized to Cherished

Few ballets have become as iconic as The Nutcracker, capturing hearts around the world during the holiday season with its enchanting music, whimsical storytelling, and timeless choreography. However, this holiday classic didn’t begin as the beloved ballet we know today. In fact, its initial reception was far from warm, and it would take decades—and a groundbreaking American ballet company—for it to blossom into the cherished holiday tradition it is now.

The Origins of The Nutcracker

The story of The Nutcracker begins in 1892 with the esteemed Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Commissioned by the Imperial Theatres of St. Petersburg, Tchaikovsky collaborated with choreographer Marius Petipa and later, Petipa’s assistant Lev Ivanov. The ballet was based on Alexandre Dumas' adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. It tells the tale of young Clara (sometimes named Marie in certain versions), who receives a nutcracker doll from her mysterious godfather, Drosselmeyer, only to be transported to a magical world of battling mice, snowflakes, and the wondrous Land of Sweets.

Despite Tchaikovsky's brilliant score, The Nutcracker received mixed-to-poor reviews upon its debut in St. Petersburg. The first audiences in Russia found the ballet overly simplistic, even dull. Critics were unimpressed with its child-friendly plot and unconventional structure, which was shorter and lacked some of the more intense, complex themes present in other ballets of the time. They saw it as a piece primarily designed for children, lacking the depth expected of Russian ballet at the time.

A Slow Path to Global Fame

For nearly fifty years, The Nutcracker remained largely overlooked in Russia. Only excerpts, like the famous "Nutcracker Suite," gained popularity in orchestral performances, while the full-length ballet gathered dust. It was only during the mid-20th century that interest in the work was revived—this time, across the ocean in the United States.

The San Francisco Ballet’s Bold Move

The San Francisco Ballet, under the artistic direction of Willam Christensen, took a leap of faith in 1944. They became the first ballet company outside of Russia to perform the complete Nutcracker, marking the first full-length production staged in the United States. While this was an ambitious endeavor, it was also risky. Staging an obscure, relatively unsuccessful Russian ballet was a gamble, but Christensen and his company believed that The Nutcracker had untapped potential.

The San Francisco audience loved it. The ballet was an instant success, and American audiences were enchanted by its festive charm, accessible storyline, and whimsical spectacle. Soon, other U.S. ballet companies took note, and within a few decades, The Nutcracker became synonymous with the holiday season.

Today, it’s hard to imagine the holiday season without The Nutcracker. Every December, ballet companies across the world stage productions of this ballet, uniting audiences of all ages in its magic and wonder.

Join Us for Santa Cruz Dance Theater’s Nutcracker

This December, Santa Cruz Dance Theater invites you to experience the magic of The Nutcracker at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. This year, we are thrilled to welcome Lucien Postlewaite, principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet, who will be gracing the stage in a special performance. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Lucien brings his world-class talent back to his hometown for a production not to be missed.

Join us for two days of magic and wonder as Clara embarks on a dreamlike journey filled with dazzling costumes, enchanting choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Performances are on December 21 and 22 at 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm. Perfect for the whole family, this breathtaking performance will transport you to a world of holiday splendor.

Event Details: Dates: December 21st and 22nd

Location: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium

Get your tickets today, and be part of a magical holiday tradition with Santa Cruz Dance Theater’s Nutcracker!