Everyone knows The Nutcracker. But what a lot of people don’t know about is that its original staging (by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov in 1892) was a flop. Critics were confused by its storyline, and it was performed rarely until George Balanchine staged his own version at New York City Ballet in 1954. It was immensely successful, and The Nutcracker has been a holiday tradition around the US, and the world, ever since.
Whether this year is your family’s first experience with the holiday classic, or you’re a seasoned Nutcracker connoisseur, New York City’s dance scene is loaded with performances you have to see. From classical to contemporary, here are nine of the most unique Nutcracker performances from across the city.
November 27, 2015 through January 3, 2016 — David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center
Whether you’re new to the ballet or have seen it a dozen times, New York City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is one you can’t miss this year. With its classic Tchaikovsky score, brightly colored costumes, and deliciously candy-themed choreography, George Balanchine’s staging of the ballet is iconic. Everything about this production is extravagant, from the 41-foot Christmas tree that grows out of the stage to the light, fluffy snow falling from the sky and the excitement of the battle between wooden soldiers and a mouse army. This timeless production is an experience everyone should have at least once.
November 20-21, 2015 — United Palace Theatre, NYC December 19 — NJPAC, Newark, NJ
Bringing a street-style twist to the traditional Nutcracker is the annual production of The Hip Hop Nutcracker. Head-spinning snowflakes, a krump battle to rival any mouse/soldier duel, and a pop-locking Sugarplum Fairy are just a few of the treats you’ll see at this high-energy spectacle. Using Tchaikovsky’s original score, choreographer Jennifer Weber gives the classic holiday story a facelift for a new generation, and proves that great hip hop dancing can be just as exciting and as much family fun as the timeless ballet.
December 5, 2015 — Kings Theatre, Brooklyn
The Moscow Ballet puts on its annual New York performance of the Great Russian Nutcracker in Brooklyn. This staging, done by Stanislav Vlasov, accompanies Tchaikovsky’s score with bright colors, classical choreography, and a twist on The Land of Sweets dedicated to world peace. Casting New York City dance students and children ages 7 to 16 alongside the professional Russian company, The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker brings a unique flavor to the holiday classic, and is sure to be a great afternoon for the whole family.
December 12-20, 2015 — BAM Howard Gilman Opera House
Mark Morris Dance Group takes The Nutcracker through time in this ‘retro-modern’ reimagination of the holiday ballet. In eras ranging from prim and proper Victorian to the groovy 1970s, the classical ballet gets a choreographically modern twist, while maintaining its family fun and holiday spirit. Set to Tchaikovsky’s score and accented with bright, popping colors and modern movement by Mark Morris, this retelling of the traditional ballet is sure to enchant the whole audience.
December 10-13, 2015 — The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College
Set on the Upper East Side of New York City in 1895, Dances Patrelle’s Yorkville Nutcracker adds a touch of history to the traditional Nutcracker. This year's production marks the 20th anniversary of artistic director Francis Patrelle’s staging, and stars Abi Stafford and Adrian Danchig-Waring (borrowed New York City Ballet) as the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier. The Yorkville Nutcracker centers on newly elected NYC mayor William L. Strong’s family and their Christmas celebration at Gracie Mansion. Classical ballet from professional dancers and students from various NYC ballet schools bring this historical staging to life in an evening that promises an educational holiday treat.
December 10-13 and 17-20, 2015 — GK ArtsCenter
Former American Ballet Theatre star Gelsey Kirkland stages this version of The Nutcracker in the European tradition of classical ballet. Michael Chernov’s choreography showcases the talent and technique of all the dancers onstage, professional and amateur alike, and is sure to create a love for the holiday tradition in the whole audience. With luxurious costumes and sets, Gelsey Kirkland Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker takes you to the celestial palace, where the dancing is done by toys and dolls, rather than sugar and sweets. This version is a sure hit with audiences young and old.
November 25, 2015 through January 17, 2016 — Minetta Lane Theatre
This is one production you won’t want to bring your kids to. The Nutcracker gets flipped on its head in Company XIV’s burlesque version of the holiday classic, Nutcracker Rouge. A sultry, jazz-inspired version of Tchaikovsky’s theme underscores Austin McCormick’s wildly imaginative and borderline kinky staging. A blend of ballet, circus, burlesque, and baroque take this show to a Land of Sweets the likes of which you’ve never seen before. It’s a thrilling, bodice-ripping night out that promises a ton of fun.
December 11-13, 2015 — Florence Gould Hall
Designed specifically to delight children ages 3 and up, Keith Michael’s staging of The Nutcracker is certainly a sight to see. Abridged to run in just one hour, this production packs a lot into a short time. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s classical score, Art Nouveau sets and costumes, and high-energy performances, New York Theatre Ballet’s family-fun version of the holiday ballet is sure to create Nutcracker loyalists of all ages.
December 11-13, 2015 — Peridance Capezio Center
For the Nutcracker enthusiasts who are a bit more daring, Peridance Contemporary Dance Company’s interpretation, Winter Journey, brings to the holiday classic a contemporary flare. Choreographer Igal Perry’s contemporary style and dancers from the School at Peridance and pre-professional programs alongside the company’s pros bring to life an imaginative and festive twist on the classic. Perry’s contemporary choreographic style blends with old favorites of the traditional ballet to create a new holiday event you’re sure to remember.
