Schlagwort: the nutcracker

Which is the best Christmas ballet

Depends if you like more: classical or contemporary

It’s for sure that the classical NUTCRACKER is the most popular ballet all over the world.

„The Nutcracker“ is one of the most iconic ballets of all time, and over the years, many choreographers have created their interpretations of the classic. Here are the most popular choreographies of The Nutcracker:

1. Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov (1892)

  • Why it’s iconic: This is the original production, choreographed for the Imperial Ballet in Russia with Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Ivanov’s work on the „Waltz of the Snowflakes“ and the „Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy“ remains a significant foundation for all subsequent productions.
  • Signature element: Traditional storytelling with an emphasis on large, ensemble-driven sequences.

2. George Balanchine (1954)

  • Company: New York City Ballet
  • Why it’s iconic: Balanchine’s version is considered one of the most influential interpretations in the U.S. It helped solidify The Nutcracker as a Christmas tradition in America.
  • Signature elements: Focuses on Clara’s perspective, with a prominent role for the Sugar Plum Fairy and added technical precision.
  • Watch: New York City Ballet highlights.

3. Rudolf Nureyev (1968)

  • Company: Royal Ballet and others
  • Why it’s iconic: Nureyev’s darker and more psychological take shifts the focus to the Nutcracker Prince and his transformation, making the ballet more about maturity and self-discovery.
  • Signature elements: Complex, nuanced choreography with male solos highlighted.

4. Yuri Grigorovich (1966)

  • Company: Bolshoi Ballet
  • Why it’s iconic: Grigorovich’s version focuses on the dreamlike aspects of the story, making the boundary between fantasy and reality ambiguous.
  • Signature elements: Grand, athletic choreography with an emphasis on dramatic storytelling.
  • Watch: Bolshoi Ballet production.

5. Matthew Bourne (1992)

  • Company: Adventures in Motion Pictures
  • Why it’s iconic: Bourne’s reimagined, modern retelling is whimsical and satirical, set in a Dickensian orphanage rather than a grand holiday party.
  • Signature elements: Bold, contemporary visuals and a focus on humor.
  • Watch: Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker trailer.

6. Christopher Wheeldon (2020)

  • Company: The Joffrey Ballet
  • Why it’s iconic: This version is set in 1893 Chicago during the World’s Columbian Exposition, creating a historically grounded interpretation.
  • Signature elements: Rich visual designs and thematic exploration of immigrant stories.
  • Watch: Joffrey Ballet’s trailer.

7. Alexei Ratmansky (2010)

  • Company: American Ballet Theatre
  • Why it’s iconic: Ratmansky’s interpretation draws inspiration from the original Petipa-Ivanov choreography while adding a modern, lively flair.
  • Signature elements: Vibrant costumes and staging with meticulous historical details.
  • Watch: ABT highlights.

These productions illustrate the versatility and timelessness of The Nutcracker, from traditional renditions to modern reimaginings. Each offers a unique perspective on this holiday classic.

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My research on ChatGpt – Tell me the best classical and contemporary ballets

Here are some of the best classical and contemporary Christmas ballets, with links to videos showcasing these performances:

Classical Christmas Ballets:

  1. The Nutcracker
    • A beloved holiday classic with Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score and a magical story. It is performed worldwide by leading ballet companies like the Royal Ballet and New York City Ballet.
    • Video: Watch an excerpt from the Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker here.
  2. **Scottish Ballet’s Cinders!
    • A unique interpretation of Cinderella with Prokofiev’s score and Art Nouveau-inspired designs.
    • Video: Highlights from the Scottish Ballet’s performances can be viewed here.

Contemporary Christmas Ballets:

  1. Smuin Contemporary Ballet’s The Christmas Ballet
    • A lively mix of classical and contemporary dances set to holiday tunes, blending ballet, jazz, swing, and pop.
    • Video: See highlights from The Christmas Ballet here​BroadwayWorld.
  2. Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater’s The Polar Express
    • A creative ballet adaptation of the beloved holiday story, combining dance and multimedia.
    • Video: Watch a sneak peek from the production here.
  3. Finnish National Ballet’s A Christmas Carol
    • A new ballet based on Charles Dickens‘ classic, featuring an original score and innovative choreography.
    • Video: View a preview of the production here.

These ballets capture the magic of Christmas, offering a variety of styles and experiences, from traditional tales to modern reimaginings. Enjoy exploring the performances through the linked videos!

Header Image: Made by AI in WordPress.com

The Nutcracker: A Cash Cow During the Holiday Season

Did you know that the NUTCRACKER Ballet is a cash cow for US Ballet companies?

I read an article in The Economist years ago which stated that this ballet can generate up to 45% of a ballet company’s annual revenue in America. That’s why you can see at least one version in every state. It’s a tradition for families to come together and attend a performance of this famous Christmas ballet. Often, children from ballet schools are involved, dancing in the roles of small mice or toy soldiers. Magic happens when the beautiful music of the Waltz of Flowers starts.

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Best Ballets of All Time

What does ChatGPT know about ballet?

I really miss ROMEO & JULIA and CINDERELLA. It’s hard to say which are the most iconic classical ballets.

Determining the „best“ classical ballets of all time is subjective and can vary based on personal preferences and historical significance. However, several ballets are widely celebrated for their artistic merit, impact on the art form, and enduring popularity. Here are some considered among the greatest:

  1. „Swan Lake“ (1876): Composed by Tchaikovsky, this ballet is a timeless classic known for its exquisite music and the story of Odette, a princess transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse.
  2. „The Nutcracker“ (1892): Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score accompanies this ballet, telling the magical story of a young girl’s journey through a whimsical world of fantasy on Christmas Eve.
  3. „The Sleeping Beauty“ (1890): Another Tchaikovsky masterpiece, this ballet showcases elaborate choreography and tells the story of Princess Aurora under the spell of a wicked fairy’s curse.
  4. „Giselle“ (1841): Considered a quintessential Romantic ballet, „Giselle“ tells the tragic story of a peasant girl who dies of a broken heart and becomes a spirit protecting her lover from vengeful spirits.
  5. „Don Quixote“ (1869): Based on Cervantes‘ novel, this lively ballet features Spanish-inspired choreography and follows the adventures of the chivalrous Don Quixote and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza.
  6. „Coppélia“ (1870): A charming and comedic ballet about a toymaker who creates a life-like doll, captivating the attention of a young man and his sweetheart.
  7. „La Bayadère“ (1877): Set in exotic India, this ballet combines intricate classical choreography with a captivating love story and mesmerizing scenes.

These ballets are celebrated for their beautiful music, intricate choreography, captivating storytelling, and their lasting impact on the world of dance. Their enduring popularity ensures their place among the most beloved and respected classical ballets of all time.

ChatGPT

See Header Image: Alexei Ratmansky reconstruction of SWAN LAKE for the Ballett Zürich © ballettzürich

Alexei Ratmansky, one of the most important choreographers of our time, has reconstructed this three-act version by Petipa/Ivanov for Ballett Zürich in 2016.

Did you know that the NUTCRACKER Ballet is a cash cow for US Ballet companies?

The Nutcracker – a money making machine

I read an article in The Economist years ago which stated that this ballet can generate up to 45% of a ballet company’s annual revenue in America. That’s why you can see at least one version in every state. It’s a tradition for families to come together and attend a performance of this famous Christmas ballet. Often, children from ballet schools are involved, dancing in the roles of small mice or toy soldiers. Magic happens when the beautiful music of the Waltz of Flowers starts.

Weiterlesen „Did you know that the NUTCRACKER Ballet is a cash cow for US Ballet companies?“

The Most Popular Ballets Today

Ask ChatGPT about ballet

Staatsballett Berlin;2.Akt Schwanensee; Inszenierung: Patrice Bart; Polina Semionova(1.Solo)als Odette/Odile; corps de ballet
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Missed THE NUTCRACKER Last Christmas?

The Royal Ballet’s spectacular Nutcracker to be streamed

Streaming from Friday 18 February 2022

Due to resource challenges caused by the Omicron COVID-19 variant, performances of The Nutcracker between Tuesday 21 December 2021 and Monday 3 January 2022 (inclusive) were cancelled. Ticket bookers for all affected performances have been contacted by Box Office. 

The Nutcracker has long been one of the most delightful ways to discover the enchantment of ballet and makes for a sparkling festive treat for the whole family. Tchaikovsky’s much-loved music is matched to a story of magic on Christmas Eve, and the journey of Clara and her Nutcracker to the Land of Sweets brings with it some of the most familiar of all ballet moments. 

Peter Wright’s gorgeous production for The Royal Ballet keeps true to the spirit of this Russian ballet classic, and the many solo roles and ensembles show the world-class skills of the Company at its best.

More information

https://www.roh.org.uk/cinemas/production/48924

It’s Nutcracker Season

The Nutcracker is the money making machine for ballet companies

Do you know that about half of the worldwide productions of THE NUTCRACKER will be performed in the United States? It is without question the most popular ballet in the US. For many families it has been a much loved tradition to go to see this beautiful classical ballet with all 3 generations of family just before Christmas.

I read an article last year in The Economist which stated that this ballet can generate up to 45% of a ballet company’s annual revenue in America. So THE NUTCRACKER, as beautiful as it is, is actually a cash cow which is really needed by most of the ballet companies as a reliable stream of income. 

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Coming into the Christmas Spirit…

THE NUTCRACKER is my Xmas Ritual

Watching the Nutcracker on Christmas Day is my holiday tradition since years. Numerous ballet companies around the world offer this famous Christmas ballet now online or on Demand. In times of Covid I can’t see The NUTCRACKER live on stage. There are so many beautiful choreographies available, next to the original by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, done in 1892. My  favourite interpretations are by George Balanchine, Peter Wright and Christian Spuck.

The Nutcracker by the Royal Ballet London
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My Top 3 Xmas Gifts

Last Minute GIFTS, Online and For less than $15

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Zu Weihnachten gehört der Nussknacker ins TV!

Ballett Nussknacker und Mausekönig am 25.12.19 im 3SAT um 10.25 Uhr

Ein brilliant erzähltes Handlungsballett virtuos getanzt und neu erzählt!   
Der Starchoreograf des Balletts Zürich Christian Spuck beweist wieder einmal, dass er ein exzellenter Geschichtenerzähler ist. Sein besonderer Clou: Die Vorgeschichte der Originalversion von E.T.A. Hoffmann wird in den Ballettklassiker integriert. Aus der gewohnten einfältigen, wenn auch geliebten Nummernrevue wird ein Thriller, der einen von der ersten bis zur letzten Sekunde fesselt. Mit tollem Tanz – ohne jeden Kitsch und Ballast – präsentieren Christian Spuck und sein Team eine grotesk düstere Handlung.

Weiterlesen „Zu Weihnachten gehört der Nussknacker ins TV!“