As conversations in the ballet world about race and representation have opened up in the past few years, its most beloved holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, has come under scrutiny as well. Last year New York City Ballet made changes to its second act Chinese Tea variation, removing elements of racial caricature from both the costume […]

As any good bunhead would tell you, for me, Nutcracker is a yearly tradition as old as leaving cookies out for Santa Claus. But this year, I got to experience it with fresh eyes by taking both my 35-year-old fiancé and my 5-year-old nephew for their first times. I didn’t plan on being a Nutcracker […]

Nutcracker season starts today at many ballet companies, including New York City Ballet. For corps members like Claire Kretzschmar, that means an always demanding schedule reaches a whole new level of busy. Here’s how she keeps herself going. Kretzschmar in the Coffee variation. Photo by Paul Kolnik, courtesy NYCB. • At night: A hearty meal, […]

Since Thanksgiving is finally here, it’s officially time to talk Nutcracker. With countless productions taking place between now and Christmas (and even some through the new year), we’ve been keeping tabs on Instagram to check in on rehearsals. Whether you’re obsessed with all things Sugar Plum Fairy or the snow scene is more your speed, […]

‘Tis the season to have some fun in the kitchen. If you want to get more creative than simply baking another pumpkin pie, try these Nutcracker-themed treats—created by and for dancers. These recipes from former Boston Ballet and Joffrey Ballet dancers were first published in Dance Magazine‘s December 1990 issue. Today, they’re still guaranteed to […]

For many dancers, Thanksgiving signals the kickoff of Nutcracker performances. But right now—that is, the calm before the magical winter storm—is the perfect time to start planning your survival strategies. Though it’s certainly important to think about how you’ll fuel your body, stay rested and ward off injury and illness, it’s also necessary to build in some fun. Try these four light-hearted ideas to help you […]

Some dreams really do come true: This Thursday, September 8, you can be a fly on the wall in a rehearsal with choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. And you don’t even have to leave the house. From 11:30 am to 1:30 pm Central time (12:30 to 2:30 pm Eastern), Joffrey Ballet will present a live-streamed rehearsal of […]