The original story was written in 1816 by German author E.T.A. Hoffman, about a young girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a battle with a fierce Mouse King. Hoffman’s tale was dark, so Russian choreographer Marius Petipa used a lighter adaptation by French author Alexander Dumas to create a child-friendly ballet. In 1892, Petipa commissioned Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky to compose the score, and The Nutcracker premiered that same year at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Though not an immediate hit, the ballet gained popularity in North America with the San Francisco Ballet’s 1944 production and George Balanchine’s iconic 1954 version. Since the 1960s, it has become a cherished holiday tradition in the U.S.

We hope you enjoy Charlottesville Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker and that it sweetens your holiday season for years to come!