Nutcracker Ballet Activities for Kids
The Nutcracker ballet is a classic holiday tradition people of any age in many regions of the world enjoy. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is the original version of the story, written in 1816. The scary fairy tale, initially written only for adults, was later changed to a family-friendly fairy tale and then ballet. The ballet was first performed in 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia during the holiday season. It has since been adapted to many different versions and is known by children around the world.
Perhaps one of the most cultural activities for kids during the holiday season is to see a production of "The Nutcracker" ballet. Performances are held during the holiday season around the world. For example, the New York City Ballet holds 45 performances of "The Nutcracker" every year. In addition, many local theaters around the United States put on productions of the ballet. If you have young children, it may be beneficial to consider taking them to see an adaptation of the ballet made specifically for kids. Throughout New York City, eight theaters offer shortened, less expensive versions of "The Nutcracker."
If you want to enjoy "The Nutcracker" from the comfort of your own home or in a school classroom setting, consider reading the classic to your kids or students. If students are old enough to read themselves, there are several interactive reading experiences offered online, including George Balanchine's interactive version of "The Nutcracker" offered by The New York City Ballet. Many versions of the story have also been made into movies, including both animated and theatrical versions.
After your children or students have read or watched "The Nutcracker," encourage them to create a puppet show. Have children print Nutcracker characters they find on the Internet or create their own. Then color, cut out and tape a craft stick to the back of the characters to create puppets. Put up a curtain and have kids tell a puppet show version of "The Nutcracker" while the performance soundtrack is playing.
For kids who are enrolled in ballet or simply enjoy dance, help them to create their own routine to a short scene of "The Nutcracker." Ask kids to select a character, and then express themselves through dance based on the way the music makes them feel and move. You can even split kids into groups and have them work on recreating a scene of "The Nutcracker" into their own routine.
Perhaps one of the most cultural activities for kids during the holiday season is to see a production of "The Nutcracker" ballet. Performances are held during the holiday season around the world. For example, the New York City Ballet holds 45 performances of "The Nutcracker" every year. In addition, many local theaters around the United States put on productions of the ballet. If you have young children, it may be beneficial to consider taking them to see an adaptation of the ballet made specifically for kids. Throughout New York City, eight theaters offer shortened, less expensive versions of "The Nutcracker."
If you want to enjoy "The Nutcracker" from the comfort of your own home or in a school classroom setting, consider reading the classic to your kids or students. If students are old enough to read themselves, there are several interactive reading experiences offered online, including George Balanchine's interactive version of "The Nutcracker" offered by The New York City Ballet. Many versions of the story have also been made into movies, including both animated and theatrical versions.
After your children or students have read or watched "The Nutcracker," encourage them to create a puppet show. Have children print Nutcracker characters they find on the Internet or create their own. Then color, cut out and tape a craft stick to the back of the characters to create puppets. Put up a curtain and have kids tell a puppet show version of "The Nutcracker" while the performance soundtrack is playing.
For kids who are enrolled in ballet or simply enjoy dance, help them to create their own routine to a short scene of "The Nutcracker." Ask kids to select a character, and then express themselves through dance based on the way the music makes them feel and move. You can even split kids into groups and have them work on recreating a scene of "The Nutcracker" into their own routine.
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