The Story of The Nutcracker

This page was developed by North Central Ballet to help students explore the enchanting story behind one of the world’s most beloved ballets — The Nutcracker.

The Nutcracker tells the story of a young girl named Clara, who receives a wooden Nutcracker doll at her family’s Christmas Eve party. Late that night, Clara sneaks back to check on her new toy and discovers that magic is in the air. The clock strikes midnight, the Christmas tree grows, and the Nutcracker comes to life to battle the Mouse King and his army of mice.

After the Nutcracker wins the battle, he transforms into a Prince and takes Clara on a wondrous journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. There, they are welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy and treated to dazzling dances from around the world. At the end of the ballet, Clara awakens at home, leaving us to wonder — was it all a dream, or a magical adventure she will never forget?

How The Nutcracker Began

The Nutcracker ballet was first performed in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1892. The story is based on a fairy tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann titled “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” The legendary choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov created the original dances, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky composed the unforgettable music.

Although the ballet was not an immediate success at its premiere, Tchaikovsky’s score quickly became cherished by audiences. By the mid-20th century, The Nutcracker had become a treasured holiday tradition in the United States. Today, it remains one of the most-performed ballets in the world — and for many children, it is their very first introduction to the beauty of classical dance.

Fun fact for students:
The “Nutcracker Suite” is a concert version of music from the ballet. It was performed in concert halls before the full ballet became widely known.