Choreographer
George Balanchine
Rehearsal: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®
Wed. Nov. 27, 2024
1:30p.m.
Event Information
-
Genre
Performances for Young Audiences
Philadelphia Ballet’s George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. Photo by Alexander Iziliaev.
Philadelphia Ballet
Rehearsal: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®
Enjoy an insider’s look at our visiting companies as they prepare onstage for performance.
Full of warmth and holiday cheer, George Balanchine’s beloved classic The Nutcracker returns in a whimsical production from Philadelphia Ballet. Marvel at the magic of swirling snowflakes, dancing candy canes, and enchanted toys. Resplendent costumes, opulent sets, and Balanchine’s timeless choreography promise a grand holiday spectacle. Come along as Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score guides young Marie on a night of adventure from her bedroom to a dreamworld that sparks childlike wonder in all ages. Last seen at the Kennedy Center over 10 years ago, Philadelphia Ballet marks a memorable return with one of its most treasured productions. Formerly Pennsylvania Ballet, the company’s new identity honors its deep, enduring roots in Philadelphia since 1963 and sets the stage for a bold, innovative future.
November 27, 2024
Opera House, recommended for grades 6-12
Estimated duration is approximately two hours with an intermission.
Image caption: Philadelphia Ballet’s George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. Photo by Alexander Iziliaev.
What to Watch for & Think About at a Ballet Rehearsal
- At an open rehearsal, audiences are invited to watch the final stages of preparation before opening night. You will be able to watch as the artists and technicians work out the final details of their production.
- While the details can change based on what the cast and crew need to be ready, most rehearsals include a full run-through of the piece, with occasional stopping and starting. Watch carefully during these breaks and think about the full elements of a production.
- Although a rehearsal is often very similar to a performance, it’s possible there will be some differences, like some performers will be conserving their physical movements for the real thing or some costumes may be getting their finishing touches off stage. And staff and technicians may be in view, observing and making notes that you might not see during a performance.
- Even though the performance is not quite ready, why do you think the company would want to invite an audience to see a rehearsal?
- For a deeper dive into what you can expect, visit our Know Before You Go: Ballet Rehearsals guide.
Explore More With Our Digital Resources Library:
- Learn about different variations of The Nutcracker in the “Cracking Open The Nutcracker” resource.
- Discover how a ballerina’s footwear is specially constructed to look dainty while being amazing gear with the Pointe Shoes feature.
- Explore famous examples of the love dance duet in the resource “Pas de Deux: It Takes Two.”
- Dive into the five major elements in dance and how they aid in artistic expression in “Do You Wanna Dance?”
Key Figures
Composer
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Share your feedback!
We’re thrilled that you’ve joined us for a performance this season! We would like to hear from your students and you about the experience. After the performance, follow these steps to share feedback:
- Share the survey link with your students for them to complete .
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Each survey will take approximately five minutes to complete. The results will be used to inform future Kennedy Center Education program planning. Thank you in advance for sharing your valuable perspective!
Related Resources
Media Know Before You Go: Ballet Rehearsals
This resource offers a quick guide to what you may experience at a ballet rehearsal.
Media Cracking Open The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is arguably the most popular ballet of all time. It is often performed during the holiday season, and has inspired countless variations, especially in the USA. Ever wonder why?
Media Pointe Shoes
With their flat, stiff fronts and special construction, pointe shoes give ballerinas the footwear that helps them stay on their toes and wow audiences
Media Pas de Deux: It Takes Two
In ballet, a pas de deux is a dance duet in which two dancers perform ballet steps together. But the pas de deux is not just a dance of love.
Media Do You Wanna Dance?
Want to understand how dance works? Learn the five elements that make up the foundation of this art form: body, action, time, space, and energy.
Lesson Storytelling Through Dance
In this grade 3-5 lesson, students will analyze how ballet dancers in The Nutcracker act out the story/character with movement instead of words. Students will emotionally and physically tell a story through dance and pantomime.
Lesson Ballet and Classical Music
In this 3-5 lesson, students will choreograph a sequence of ballet movements to tell a story. Students will explore conceptual and practical elements of classical ballet and learn basic ballet vocabulary through demonstration.
Lesson Ballet Positions and Movements
In this 6-8 lesson, students will be introduced to basic ballet terms, positions, and movements. They will discover the history of ballet, the meaning of keywords, and practice French pronunciation. Students will demonstrate basic ballet positions and movements through planned choreography.
Kennedy Center Education
Building the Future
of Arts Education
Professional development for educators. Summer intensives for young artists. Teaching artist guided activities. Performances for young audiences. Classroom lesson plans. Arts-focused digital media.
Kennedy Center Education offers a wide array of resources and experiences that inspire, excite, and empower students and young artists, plus the tools and connections to help educators incorporate the arts into classrooms of all types.
Our current teaching and learning priorities include:
Digital Resources Library
A robust collection of articles, videos, and podcasts that allow students of all ages to explore and learn about the arts online.
Performances for Schools
In-person and virtual performances, along with supporting educational content to help guide learning.
Current Topics in Arts Integration
Current approaches to arts integration in the classroom, inclusion, rigor, and adopting an arts integration approach at the school and district level.
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Kennedy Center Education
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Gifts and grants to educational programs at the Kennedy Center are provided by The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Bank of America; Capital One; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Carnegie Corporation of New York; The Ednah Root Foundation; Harman Family Foundation; William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust; the Kimsey Endowment; The Kiplinger Foundation; Laird Norton Family Foundation; Lois and Richard England Family Foundation; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; The Markow Totevy Foundation; Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; The Morningstar Foundation; Myra and Leura Younker Endowment Fund; The Irene Pollin Audience Development and Community Engagement Initiatives;
Prince Charitable Trusts; Dr. Deborah Rose and Dr. Jan A. J. Stolwijk; Rosemary Kennedy Education Fund; The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates; The Victory Foundation; The Volgenau Foundation; Volkswagen Group of America; Jackie Washington; GRoW @ Annenberg and Gregory Annenberg Weingarten and Family; Wells Fargo; and generous contributors to the Abe Fortas Memorial Fund and by a major gift to the fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger, widow of Abe Fortas. Additional support is provided by the National Committee for the Performing Arts..
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