Boston Ballet’s Enchanting Journey with “The Nutcracker”
Prelude to a Tradition
Learn the story behind ‘The Nutcracker’ production that’s become a holiday tradition for audiences of Boston Ballet for more than 50 years. Seeds for Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker tradition were planted years before the company’s official founding as the Boston Ballet in 1963. In 1958, the company’s founder E Virginia Williams founded the all-student New England Civic Ballet touring company, which brought than the Boston Ballet School students (Williams’ three-act Nutcracker was one of many miniature ballets they performed).
The Inception of a Holiday Classic
1963 marked a pivotal moment for Boston Ballet, thanks to a grant from the Ford Foundation, influenced by a recommendation from George Balanchine. This financial boost led to the professional inception of the Company, which promptly staged its inaugural full-length “The Nutcracker” performance in December of the same year. By 1965, with the launch of its first subscription series, Boston Ballet solidified “The Nutcracker” as an annual holiday tradition, enchanting audiences year after year.
Milestones in the Magical Journey
- 1965 Debut: The Back Bay Theatre hosted the first public performance featuring E. Virginia Williams’ choreography, with Arthur Fiedler conducting and star guest artists Maria Tallchief and Earle Sieveling.
- Venue Transitions: In 1969, the production found a new home at the Music Hall, later known as the Boch Center Wang Theatre, where it remained for over thirty years.
- Artistic Enhancements: The 1970s and 1980s brought significant artistic contributions, including television features, new scenery by Helen Pond and Herbert Senn, and exquisite costumes by David Walker.
- Unforeseen Challenges: In 1982, an unexpected venue change to the Hynes Auditorium showcased the Company’s resilience, ensuring “The Nutcracker” performance continued.
- Innovative Additions: The late 1980s and early 1990s introduced new characters, like Franz the Dancing Bear, and celebrated the ballet’s centennial with special events.
- Renewed Grandeur: The 1995 30th-anniversary production boasted 350 new costumes and completely restored scenery, enhancing the visual splendor of the performance.
- Continuous Evolution: The early 2000s witnessed new creative directions under Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen, including revamped staging, choreography, and dazzling set designs.
Celebrating a Legacy
“The Nutcracker”, by Boston Ballet has become a tradition during the holiday season showcasing the timeless charm of ballet. Every year fresh waves of dancers, artists, and viewers add to the legacy of this show. As we look back on over five decades of magical performances, the journey of Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” unfolds, inviting everyone to partake in its timeless joy and wonder.
