Thanks to the Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet and 829 Studios for providing the tickets for this show. All thoughts are my own.

Photos are provided by Talmi Entertainment and 829Studios. 

Viewing a performance of "The Nutcracker" ballet during Christmas has become a past-time that families have enjoyed since 1892! Based on the children's fantasy book titled "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" (by E.T.A. Hoffman), the ballet's original feature was not deemed a success. Yet, somehow the show went on; carrying Clara's dreams of being rescued by the Nutcracker Prince across many stages to this very day.

From traditional ballet to newer fables, a performance of this ballet is a favorite for many over the course of December. If you are looking for a lighter twist on the old classic, consider taking the family to see "Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet!".

This performance is not your traditional "Nutcracker" ballet! The inclusion of dancers, acrobats, puppets, costumes, and backdrops transforms this performance from the classic standard ballet that everyone loves to a unique and exciting performance. 

I will warn you- if you are a classical ballet traditionalist, this might not be the show for you! While the footwork, positioning, and movements were classical in both skill and execution, the dancers elicited a different persona while enacting out each scene and accompanying choreography. Graceful, talented, and still precise, each step folded into a daring dream, drawing the audience closer into the storyline. 

Nostalgia meets modern in this story as dancers aim to combine precision, skill, and acrobat artistry into one story that invites the audience to step into a world filled with love, peace, strength, and imagination. 

I found this refreshing to witness, along with the delicate usage of props, puppets, and even backdrops throughout the performance too! From the 10-foot tall version of the Rat King; to the intricately designed tutu's, the companies use of puppets and costumes to share the story gave a wonderful view into the world of this Nutcracker.

The storyline is slightly different, so pay attention to your program beforehand! 

• In the traditional Nutcracker, Clara receives a toy nutcracker as a Christmas Eve gift. Her brother accidentally breaks it. Clara's godfather fixes it, and when Clara goes back to check on it later that night, the clock strikes midnight, and all the fun starts with the Nutcracker army and the mice fighting each other, in full size! (Note-her godfather is also a magician). The Nutcracker defeats the Mice King, turns into a prince, and dashes Clara away to adventures in the Land of Sweets.

• In this Magical Version of the ballet, Clara receives a new doll, broken by her jealous brother, and falls asleep heartbroken. In her dreams, she and the Nutcracker fight a fierce battle against the Rat King's army, and the Nutcracker turns into a Prince after defeating them. They travel through a winter landscape, and then fly into the Land of Peace and Harmony. During their time there, the Prince's friends feature dances across the world that aim to connect Clara, the Nutcracker, and the audience with symbols of unity and peace. The ballet ends with the entire company participating in the Waltz of Flowers.