The pretty Ballet Dancer is 5¾ inches tall. She is wearing a romantic style tutu and a beautiful gold glitter crown. The tutu is pink with white ruffled cap sleeves and white ruffled trim around the neckline. The pink bodice sparkles with iridescent white glitter. The skirt is layers of pink tulle. She is wearing white stockings and pink lace up Ballet shoes sprinkled with iridescent white glitter. Her hair is tied back in a bun. The gold hanging cord is looped through her gold crown. 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 Music Boxes.
Holly Information.
Holly, with its red berries, dark glossy green leaves, and thorny tips was a symbol of life in the bleak chill of winter. The bright colors of the holly made is a natural symbol of rebirth and life in the winter whiteness of northern Europe. The appearance of the flaming red holly berries opened the season of feasting and good cheer. Also, in late December, German villagers would traditionally place holly around the interior of their dwellings to ward off bad winter weather and unwanted spirits. In early years, Father Christmas often decorated his hood with holly, which represented the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified, and the red berries were symbolic of the blood he shed. Select this link to view our Christmas Books.
The Christmas Tree.
The Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 1800’s. For many it is the focal point of their Christmas decorations and festivities. Originally in the Old World, Europeans adorned their trees with cookies, fruits, and candles. In the 1850’s, German craftsmen perfected the art of glass blown ornaments, and soon Christmas trees shimmered with beautiful glass ornaments. Today’s modern Christmas tree holds lights and ornaments of all varieties and all colors of the spectrum while beneath it are wondrous gifts. A symbol of triumph over winter’s bitter cold, the Christmas evergreen has long inspired hope in the hearts of man. Select this link to view our Unique Baby Gifts.