If it`s the holidays, it`s time for ”The Nutcracker” ballet. Indeed,
”The Nutcracker” is presented by more than 220 dance companies in the United States alone, making it the single largest yearly moneymaker for most ballet troupes. In keeping with the season, here`s some ”Nutcracker” trivia. – Even though ”The Nutcracker” is a Russian ballet created originally by a Russian composer and a Russian choreographer for a Russian company, Antonietta dell`Era, an Italian ballerina, was appointed to dance the lead role of the Sugar Plum Fairy on the night of the ballet`s premiere in 1892.
– The celeste, a keyboard instrument, made its orchestral debut with the first performance of ”The Nutcracker” in Russia in 1892. That`s the instrument that makes the ethereal tinkling sound associated with the Sugar Plum Fairy.
– The original Russian title of ”The Nutcracker” was ”Shchelkunchik.” – The New York City Ballet`s ”Nutcracker” made its premiere 39 days after Christmas on Feb. 2, 1954.
Macaulay Culkin, star of ”Home Alone,” played Fritz, Clara`s mischievous brother, in the New York City Ballet`s production of ”The
”Nutcracker” in 1988.
– Maureen Reagan, daughter of Jane Wyman and former President Ronald Reagan, once appeared as Clara in a Ballet Russe production of ”Nutcracker” in Hollywood.
