This charming Ballerina is 2½ inches tall and 2¾ inches long. She is sitting with her knees bent and one arm across her knees. She is wearing a classical tutu that is white with gold trim and the short fluffy skirt stands out all around her. Her ballet shoes are also white with gold trim and topped with white leg warmers that have gold trim at the top. Her brown hair is tied back in a bun. Select this link to view our People and Profession Tree Ornaments.
The Nutcracker.
The Nutcracker story was written in 1816 by the German writer E.T.A. Hoffmann. It was a rather grim tale of an unhappy girl named Marie whose only love is a nutcracker doll. In 1845 the famed French novelist Alexandre Dumas adapted the story and made it more suitable for children. In 1891 this version was chosen as the basis of the Russian ballet scored by Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Marius Petitpa and Lev Ivanov. Select this link to view our Christmas Books.
The Nutcracker Suite opened in St. Petersburg on December 17, 1892. The original production was not a success. Though popular in Russia, it was never staged outside of that country until 1934, when a setting appeared in London. Since then numerous versions of the dance, long and short, have been attempted. The most successful was by George Balanchine in 1954. It is probably the world’s favorite ballet, being seen by millions each year, during the Christmas season. Select this link to view our Unique Baby Gifts.
The ballet’s popularity has stimulated an interest in the collection of nutcrackers. Though many types of metal and wood nutcrackers were made through the centuries, the commercial production of the popular wooden toy nutcracker dates only from the 1870’s in Germany. The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum in Washington State exhibits over 3,000 of these implements from around the world. Select this link to view our Christmas Nutcracker Village People.
Christmas Story
Starting on December 6th and lasting until January 6th, Christmastime is celebrated continually throughout Germany. It is a time for joy and thanks. Spirits run high as everyone comes together. Whether for dancing or just for entertainment, music is always played as part of the festivities. One of the most distinctive instruments heard in the nostalgic air is the horn. They are still heard today throughout the streets of German villages bringing laughter and cheer to all. Horns are used in churches across the world as a special addition to the liturgical season. Select this link to view our Wooden Nutcracker Soldiers.