Recurring dream
As it has for the past 16 years, the Alberta Ballet will join with the Spokane Symphony this weekend for the holiday classic “The Nutcracker.”
By now, you’re probably familiar with the drill. But if not, or if you could use a bit of a refresher, here’s “The Nutcracker” in a nutshell.
The story
The ballet opens with a Christmas party where young Clara receives the gift of a toy nutcracker from her godfather, the eccentric inventor Drosselmeier.
In a dream sequence, the Nutcracker, Clara and their army of toy soldiers defeat an attack by a pack of mice led by the evil Mouse King. The Nutcracker is transformed into a prince who takes Clara to the Land of Sweets, where they are entertained by dancers from various countries and by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her prince.
When the dream fades, Clara awakens by the Christmas tree in her living room with her nutcracker by her side.
The history
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet based on the traditional children’s tale received only a lukewarm reception when it premiered in St. Petersburg in December 1892.
“The Nutcracker” was first performed outside Russia in 1934, in England, and made its U.S. debut in 1944 in San Francisco. Choreographer George Balanchine introduced his groundbreaking New York City Ballet version in 1954, but it wasn’t until the late 1960s that the ballet became a Christmas season staple.
Other acclaimed adaptations include Mikhail Baryshnikov’s American Ballet Theatre version in 1976, and Mark Morris’ avant-garde “The Hard Nut”
in 1991.
The dancers
Along with 34 professional dancers from Alberta Ballet, 50 young local student dancers will perform as mice, soldiers, angels, etc., and in the roles of Clara and her brother, Fritz.
Like last year, Kelsey Piva of Rathdrum will dance the part of Clara and Nora Swoboda of Spokane will play Fritz.
The details
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.
Where: INB Performing Arts Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
Cost: Adults, $18 to $36; children, $14
Call: The symphony ticket office (509-624-1200) or TicketsWest outlets (509-325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com)