A classic tale passed from generation to generation, The Nutcracker’s beloved story is brought to life on the Walton Arts Center stage with local dancers and Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Before you see the show familiarize yourself with the fairy tale that may be the most popular ballet ever to be performed.
The Nutcracker Ballet Story
The Nutcracker Ballet is based on the story "The Nutcracker and the King of Mice" written by E.T.A. Hoffman. Although what is seen on the stage today is different in detail from the original story, the basic plot remains the same. The story of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King.
When Marius Petipa had the idea to choreograph the story into a ballet, it was actually based on a revision by Alexander Dumas, a wellknown French author. His version reflects more of what we have come to love as the Nutcracker Ballet.
The Party Scene
It is Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum house -- A large and grand house with the most beautiful tree imaginable. The Stahlbaums are hosting their annual Christmas party, welcoming the arrival of their family and friends. The children, Clara and Fritz, are dancing and playing as they welcome their friends too.
The party grows festive with music and dance as godfather Drosselmeyer arrives. He is a skilled clock and toy maker and always full of surprises. Drosselmeyer draws everyone's attention as he presents two life-size dolls. They are the delight of the party, each taking a turn to dance.
The children begin to open gifts when Drosselmeyer presents his to Clara and Fritz. Although his gift to Fritz is quite nice, he gives Clara a beautiful Nutcracker that becomes the hit of the party. Fritz becomes jealous and, having a bit more spunk than a boy should have, grabs the nutcracker from Clara and promptly breaks it. Clara is heartbroken looking on as Drosselmeyer quickly repairs the Nutcracker with a handkerchief he magically draws from the air.
As the evening grows late, the guests depart and the Stahlbaum family retires for the evening. Clara, worried about her beloved Nutcracker, sneaks back to the tree to check on him, falling asleep with him in her arms.
The Fight Scene
As the clock strikes midnight strange things begin to happen. Clara begins shrinking as her beautiful Christmas tree grows high above her. The toys around the tree come to life while the room fills with an army of mice, led by the fierce Mouse King. As the Nutcracker awakens, he leads his army of toy soldiers into battle with the mice. The Mouse King corners the Nutcracker and battles him one-on-one. The Nutcracker seems to be no match for the Mouse King.
The Nutcracker and his army can go on no longer and are captured by the mice and their King. Clara makes a final daring charge throwing her slipper at the Mouse King, hitting him square on the head. The Mouse King drops to the floor and the mice run away, carrying off their leader's lifeless body.
The Land of Snow
The Nutcracker turns into a Prince and takes Clara on a journey to the Land of Snow, an enchanted forest wonderland where they are welcomed by dancing snowflakes.
The Land of Sweets
The Prince escorts Clara to the Land of Sweets where they are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Prince tells her about their daring battle with the army of mice and she rewards them with a celebration of dances.
The Spanish Dance
The Arabian Dance
The Russian Dance
The Chinese Dance
The Mirliton Dance
The Waltz of Flowers
As a finale, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier dance a beautiful Pas De Deux.
The Dream Ends
Clara awakens from her dream and finds herself by her Christmas tree with her beloved Nutcracker.
Local Dancers in Walton Arts Center’s Performances of The Nutcracker:
Angels
Julia Brinkley, Springdale
Mira Brock, Fayetteville
Ruby Campbell, Springdale
Carrington Cartwright, Springdale
Naomi Greenway, Bentonville
Vivian Lux, Fayetteville
Sofia Merriman, Bella Vista
Ressa Oliver, Gentry
Emma Patrick, Fayetteville
Kate Walker, Fayetteville
Melissa Wilson, West Fork
Dieter
Kennedy Ragar, Bentonville
Kailyn Berry, Springdale
Mice
Vivian Bullock, West Fork
Lila Campbell, Springdale
Kyleigh Jo Geurin, Fayetteville
Sutton Hoeme, Springdale
Jade Holland, Fayetteville
Hudson Horton, Farmington
Madeline Wesson, Fayetteville
Mountie
Makayla Cox, Siloam Springs
Emalyn Johnson, Springdale
Audrey Peachee, Bethel Heights
Emilea Reed, Fayetteville
Madilyn Savage, Springdale
Party Boys
Adelyn Bramlett, Fayetteville
Matthias Gwinn, Siloam Springs
Mimi Hoeme, Springdale
Elize Ramsey, Fayetteville
Party Girls
Natalie Bell, Fayetteville
Eleanor Eichmann, Fayetteville
Macie Jones, Rogers
Lucia Moore, Fayetteville
Polar Bears
Quinn Ballew, Fayetteville
Averee Beare, Prairie Grove
Caroline Bostick, Fayetteville
Quinn Bramlett, Fayetteville
Braylin Coleman, Prairie Grove
Kathleen Goodsole, Bentonville
Hannah Kaundart, Springdale
Ellis Kradel, Fayetteville
Adeline Lux, Fayetteville
Keslynn Millett, Springdale
Katherine Reed, Fayetteville
Eleanor Richmond, Fayetteville
Reindeer
Brady Chandler, Fayetteville
Sara Justice, Fayetteville
Gracie Kennett, Springdale
Samantha Stark, Springdale
Emily Thomas, Fayetteville
Isabella Watkins, Bentonville
