The Nutcracker: The Magical Christmas Story Comes to Life in Jackson, Tennessee

Ballet Arts, Inc. became a reality in October 1975. Pat Brown and Jackie Ralls, local ballet teachers were on a mission. Would a civic ballet company be supported by this small western Tennessee town? The answer is an over-whelming, yes! 24 nutcracker productions to proof that Jackson, TN can support the local performing arts.

Ballet Arts is a non-profit organization, dependent on funding from grants, corporate sponsors, in-kind support and patrons.

This year is a landmark. It is the 25th annual production of the nutcracker and my family and I plan to see it for the 9th time. It has become a yearly tradition. My daughter never tires of the enchanting story of Clara, and her wooden nutcracker given to her by her mysterious uncle Drosselmeyer. I remember our first production. Not knowing what to expect, I was reluctant to take a pre-schooler. Could she sit through the entire performance?
She and I were spell-bound.

Act I, the stage is lit with dancers in colorful vintage clothing of the 1800's. Girls dancing with their dolls, parents toasting the holiday season, boys playing pranks on the girls. The cast brings E.T.A. Hoffman's story, written in 1816 alive.

Uncle Drosselmeyer is always a favorite, given he is somewhat odd and mysterious. He dazzles the audience with his on-stage magic .

We all know Fritz, the lovable tease, who is not a favorite with the girls at the party, especially when he breaks Clara's beloved nutcracker.

No one thinks mice are adorable, but they are in this ballet production. The girls/boys are fitted with hilarious, but charming rodent wear. Their performance in the battle scene with the soldiers is hypnotic. The canon, shot by the brightly, cladded soldiers actually fires. Children in the audience scream in delight after the blast.

Did you know it snows in Jackson? It does on stage when the sleigh attendants bring out the snow queen and king who are principal guest performers, seated in a fairy tale sleigh. Ballet Arts has welcomed professional dancers from all over USA , Canada and Europe to perform as Snow Queen, Snow King, Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier. In a Cinderella-like sleigh, the snow sparkles and transforms the stage into a winter wonderland. One can hear, ooh's and ah h's as the sleigh glides across the stage.

Act 11, The Kingdom of the Sweets.

This act is filled with riveting, glorious dancing.

The angels appear to be floating on stage with their hooped, satiny dresses.

Sugar plum fairy and her cavalier put on a captivating performance, even for non-ballet lovers, their performance will knock your socks off.

Arabian Coffee is a display of ballet and acrobatics. The dancer feels the part and you believe you are in some far away exotic land.

The Chinese tea dancers are delightful. Spinning parasols as they dance on pointe.

Russian dancers demand attention. Their dance is choreographed beautifully with ribbons waving to a Russian beat.

Gingerbread characters waddle in to perform a heart warming dance.

And the all time children's favorite-Mother Ginger and her dancing bon bons. Mother Ginger is gigantic! She is wheeled on stage to the delight of the audience. The playful music begins and out tumble the bon, bons. Talented local acrobats, inevitably get a standing ovation.

Dew Drop Fairy and the waltz of the flowers is a very difficult dance on pointe. However; the girls pull it off and make it look effortless, which is the hallmark of good dancing.

I apologize for not getting this article written in time for the 25th performance of The Nutcracker, but I do encourage everyone to make Jackson's production of the Nutcracker a family tradition.

Don't forget, Ballet Arts also has spring productions. Watch for 2007 production, Ballads, Bunnies & Ballet: A Spring Suite, will be announced soon!

This year is special to our family. My daughter's good friend, Samantha C. will be performing as Clara. Break a leg, Sam!!! I hope that cliche is not bad luck for a ballet dancer.