The Nutcracker Ballet Story & Background

Introduce your students to the magical wonder and majesty of Tchaikovsky’s ballet, The Nutcracker with this Nutcracker Ballet Story and Background resource. Perfect for distance and in class learners! *Please note you will need a Google account to download this resource to your Google Drive.

Resource Includes:

• origin of idea/concept for The Nutcracker
• German folklore regarding nutcracker
• explanation of main character name (Marie vs Clara)
• definition of ballet
• description of celesta (link to YouTube video included)
• easy to understand synopsis of story in ballet
• info about each sweet (and country associated with; real photos of sweets so students get a better grasp and idea) in the following songs – Spanish Dance, Arabian Dance, Chinese Dance, Russian Dance, Dance of the Reed Flutes (aka Dance of the Mirlitons), Mother Ginger and the Polichinelles (aka Dance of the Clowns), Waltz of the Flowers, and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
• description of marzipan (with photos) and a link to YouTube video to learn how students can make their own
• details (and photos) pertaining to what a mirliton is
• details pertaining to idea behind “Mother Ginger”
• explanation of what a cavalier is
• wrap up of the “sweets”
• thought provoking “creative thinking” questions
• digital creative writing (5 choices of questions and one blank slide to add your own)