The Mycenaean

The Nutcracker is a popular ballet performed around Christmas time by dance companies and studios worldwide. Several studios here in Raleigh put on full-length performances of this ballet for the holidays. 

One of these studios is City Ballet Raleigh. Their performances take place on December 6th and 7th at Stewart Theatre on N.C State’s campus. 

The Nutcracker tells the story of a young girl named Clara (sometimes called Marie, depending on the version), and her magical journeys on Christmas Eve. At the beginning of the ballet, she is gifted a wooden Nutcracker soldier by her Uncle Drosselmeyer, which her brother Fritz promptly breaks. 

When Clara goes to sleep later that night, mice – led by the vicious Mouse King – attack her. Suddenly, her Nutcracker soldier comes to life and saves her from the mice; after the battle, he transforms into a prince. Clara and her prince then journey through the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets, where they encounter many magical creatures, including snowflakes, Arabian Coffee, and Mother Ginger. 

City Ballet Raleigh as been performing The Nutcracker for over 30 years, so they’ve had time to fine-tune their performance.

“Every dancer at our studio loves and cares about the show so much, it’s a wonderful experience,” said Lillian Hogg, junior via text. Hogg has danced with City Ballet Raleigh for 5 years and is performing as a Sugar Flower and as the Harlequin Doll in this years show. 

“It’s a great family endeavor,” said Gabby Harris, sophomore. Harris has danced with City Ballet Raleigh for 7 years and is performing as a Guide and Chinese Tea. 

A highlight of The Nutcracker is the Grand Pas de Deux (a piece performed by two dancers) between the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. At City Ballet Raleigh’s performances this year, former professional dancers Sara Roe and Sam Ainley will dance the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier, respectively. 

Although The Nutcracker is a festive production, there is definitely still negatives around the season. 

“The weeks we have to wait between auditions and casting I get so anxious,” said Hogg (via text).

“I hate being tired all the time,” said Harris.Regardless of these inconveniences, City Ballet Raleigh’s performance of The Nutcracker is always a hit. You can find tickets here for their 2024 performances.