The Nutcracker

It’s that time of year again, bring out the Christmas decor, the elf on the shelf and let’s not forget our traditional nutcracker, the story of a young girls favorite doll coming to life to defeat the evil Mouse King. In 1944, the first american production of The Nutcracker was presented by the San Francisco Ballet. Over a period of a decade, George Balanchine introduced the famous production of The Nutcracker the New York City Ballet, Balanchine is responsible for making the play a Christmas Classic in American culture.

Texas A&M International University's Fine and Performing Arts department presented, The Nutcracker and ran from December 4th- 7th. The Nutcracker featured dancers from Mejia International Ballet, as well as local dancers and the Laredo Phil and music by Peter IIych Tchaikovsky, choreography by Paul Mejia and Laredo Phil,the conductor for the play was Brendan Townsend.

The show started at 7 pm with the Stahlbaum family gathering around their Christmas tree, before the start of their big party. Slowly as guests started arriving they began to dance in celebration of Christmas. During the party Clara Stahlbaum receives a doll, which is a Nutcracker. Soon after, the guest started departing Clara places her nutcracker in its sleigh under the christmas tree.

As the clock struck twelve, the magic began and Clara’s dream starts. The Mouse King appears and the battle starts between the king and The Nutcracker. Defeating the Mouse King the nutcracker breaks the spell and becomes a handsome prince. Clara and the prince begin their magical journey in a floating sleigh, through their journey they pass by a beautiful enchanted forest of snowflakes.

Finally, after their journey our heroes arrive at the Land of Sweets, where they meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and her angels. The prince retells the Sugar Plum Fairy, their battle with the rats, and how Clara saved him. Shortly after, Clara and the prince are then entertained by sweets of all over the world. Chocolate from Spain, Coffee from Arabia, Tea from China, Candy Canes from Russia, Marzipan from Belgium, and a sleigh filled with Bon Bons from France. The Waltz of Flowers is then danced by the Dewdrops and beautiful flowers.

Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier dance the Grand Pas de Deux in the honor of Clara. The last dance of the show was danced by each member of the ballet, the prince, Clara, the flowers, the sweets and of course the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The dancers from Mejia as well as the local dancers from Laredo did a fantastic job, from beginning till end.The choreography was stunning as well as creative, the wardrobe was romantic and charming. Laredo Phil did an astonishing job with the music, their music is what made the show whimsical.  

For more information please contact Khloe Torres at khloetorres@dusty.tamiu.edu