The Nutcracker, the beloved Christmas ballet by Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, premiered on December 18, 1892, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg and has since become a treasured holiday tradition around the world. Based on a fairy tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann and adapted by Alexandre Dumas, the story follows young Marie as her wooden nutcracker comes to life, defeats the Mouse King, and carries her on a dreamlike journey to the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Though its early reception was modest, the ballet gained lasting popularity through later productions—especially in the United States—and is now one of the most frequently performed ballets of all time. With its magical music, elaborate staging, and themes of wonder and transformation, The Nutcracker reminds us in His Story that God can speak to His children through dreams and gentle impressions, inviting us to listen for truth, beauty, and light during the Christmas season.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/nut-cracker-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.