At the Ballet

The 48th Annual Production of

The Nutcracker

Austin’s holiday tradition returns as Texas’ longest running production of The Nutcracker takes the stage for its 48th year. Follow us into the dream world of Clara, where she’s empowered to slay a giant Rat King and transform her nutcracker doll into a prince. Together, they visit a magical land of dancing snowflakes, a Sugar Plum Fairy and a celebration that takes her around the world in a single night.

Choreography by Stephen Mills
Music by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky

Musical Accompaniment by The Austin Symphony Orchestra

Production Photos

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The Nutcracker iMix

Ballet History

The Nutcracker ballet is based on the book called "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" written by E.T.A. Hoffman.

In 1891, the legendary choreographer Marius Petipa commissioned Tchaikovsky to write the music for The Nutcracker ballet.

In 1892, the first showing of the Nutcracker took place at the Mariinsky Theatre of Russia, home of the Kirov Ballet.

The Nutcracker made its way to Western Europe in the 1930's and to America by 1940, performed by Ballet Russe. The first American full length Nutcracker was performed by the San Francisco Ballet, choreographed by W. Christensen. The Nutcracker has since become an annual Holiday tradition.

A selection of eight of the more popular numbers from the ballet was made by the composer, forming The Nutcracker Suite, designed for concert performance. The titles of the ballet (simply The Nutcracker) and the suite (The Nutcracker Suite) are frequently confused.

The version that Ballet Austin puts on stage is a variation of the original that was choreographed by Stephen Mills.

Musical Notes

Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker - Music by Tchaikovsky

Act I

• Overture
  
• The Christmas Tree
  
• March
  
• Journey Through the Snow
  
• Waltz of the Snowflakes

Act II

• Chocolate (The Spanish Dance)
  
• Coffee (The Arabian Dance)
  
• Tea (The Chinese Dance)
  
• Trepak (The Russion Dance)
  
• Dance of the Mirlitons
  
• Mother Ginger and the Clowns
  
• Waltz of the Flowers
  
• Pas de Deux
  
• Tarantella
  
• Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
  
• Coda

The Nutcracker Interactive