the nutcracker
I took my boys to see Pacific Northwest Ballet’s The Nutcracker for the first time this year.
We went with a group of friends and cousins and it was the perfect way to start our Christmas season.
I love this production – it is a classic Seattle tradition and the most delightful performance with happy music and whimsical sets designed by famed illustrator Maurice Sendak. I could not wait to introduce this kind of art to my children.
But this particular ballet is even more special to me because I danced in it when I was a young ballerina.
{see my name? This program is from 1986 – when I was 8 years old and a shy little thing. This was a huge step for me to perform in front of such a large audience, but such an amazing experience.}
My first year, I was a baby girl mouse.
The second year, I was a servant child {I am in the center with my childhood ballet friends}
The last year, I was a soldier.
I know I am too old to dream of being a ballerina, but that childish dream is still within me. I love everything there is about ballet. The grace. The music. The shoes. I did not have the flexibility in my feet to continue dancing on pointe and my parents opted not to have my feet broken and reconstructed when I was just twelve, and so my days of ballet dancing with PNB were over. But these memories are a deep part of me and I was so thankful to be able to relive the excitement of the Nutcracker with my children.
No. 1 was not so impressed. But he is almost 8 and it is getting harder and harder to impress him. Unless it has to do with Star Wars Legos or candy.
No. 3 was maybe a little young at 4. He does love swords, though, so the mouse king was right up his alley.
No. 2 was the best. He was wide-eyed through the whole show and even asked me at one point if he could be in the Nutcracker when he gets bigger. I said of course he could … but he would have to take ballet. He quickly changed his mind.
Of course I want Audrey to be her own little lady, but there may be some encouragement from this mama to involve her in ballet. Maybe one day she’ll dance in PNB’s Nutcracker.
A girl can dream, right?
If you are in the Seattle area and would like a great evening of entertainment, click here for ticket information.
PNB made a Nutcracker movie years ago, which you can rent here.
And this book has artwork by Maurice Sendak and tells the story of The Nutcracker.
