As the holiday season gets under way, families are often looking for fun experiences that can become annual traditions. Going to see The Tacoma City Ballet perform The Nutcracker & The Tale of The Hard Nut can be a great way to build enthusiasm for the holidays, while also introducing children to the joys of a live show experience.
The Tacoma City Ballet, under the leadership of Miss Erin Ceragioli, Executive and Artistic Director, is celebrating its 35th production of one of the most famous ballets in the world, The Nutcracker & The Tale of The Hard Nut. This timeless holiday classic, first presented in 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia, has entertained generations for well over a century.
The story of The Nutcracker, told in its entirety with the addition of The Tale of The Hard Nut, features the historical scenery and costumes first seen by audiences in 1892. Tacoma City Ballet creates a magnificent production filled with spectacular dancing, live orchestral music by the Tacoma City Ballet Orchestra, grand scenery and lavish costumes, sure to enchant your entire family this holiday season.
If taking kids to the ballet where the story is told entirely through dance – no talking or singing — seems daunting, here are a couple ways to prepare. The Nutcracker ballet is based on the story written by E.T.A. Hoffmann in 1816 and there are plenty of picture books. Head to your local library or bookstore and find a version you like. Making The Nutcracker part of your bedtime story routine in the weeks leading up to the show will help your child become familiar with the story and be ready to see it interpreted through dance. Another thing you can do before you go to the show is to familiarize your child with the musical score. The Nutcracker ballet music was written by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, a Russian composer renowned for his ballet scores. Download the soundtrack and play it often – in the car or during playtime.
Take your child to a Sugar Plum Tea prior to the performance for a snack and an opportunity to interact with dancers in costume — bring your camera — creating a connection that carries over to the performance and adds to the enjoyment of the experience for your child.
Plan to arrive to the ballet early so you can look through the program together and read the synopsis. This will let you know exactly how the Tacoma City Ballet is interpreting and presenting the story. Getting there early also allows you to enjoy the atmosphere of the venue.
Who knows, this could be the start of a magical holiday tradition to be carried on for generations to come. Happy holidays!
KELLY LENIHAN
Six performances
- Sat, Dec 15, 2pm
- Sun, Dec 16, 2pm
- Thu, Dec 20, 7:30pm
- Fri, Dec 21, 7:30pm
- Sat, Dec 22, 2pm
- Sun, Dec 23, 2pm
Sugar Plum Teas
- Sat, Dec 15, 1pm
- Sun, Dec 16, 1pm
- Sat, Dec 22, 1pm
- Sun, Dec 23, 1pm
tickets
Federal Way Performing Arts & Events Center (PAEC)
31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way South, Federal Way, WA 98003
box Office: 253-835-7010, online: fwpaec.org
Nutcracker Suite for the littlest ones
December 8 and 9, 2pm
Broadway center for Performing Arts
901 Broadway, Tacoma
Box office: 253-591-5894, online: tacomaartslive.com