Today we attended a performance of The Nutcracker by the American Repertory Ballet Company at the State Theatre in New Brunswick. To my New Jersey readers: there is still time to catch the show; performances are 1 and 4:30 p.m. tomorrow.
Top Ten Reasons to See The Nutcracker Performed Live
10. You can see your friends
I’ve known Emily since our New Jersey Mom Blog days, so to see her again at the ballet with her family only added to the special day.
9. The costumes
Who doesn’t love the beautiful costumes of the dancing Sugar Plum Fairy, naughty mice and brave soldiers?
8. The set design
Each production of The Nutcracker is different. Much of that has to do with set design.
7. The music
My five-year-old Lucy just danced into the room.
“Mommy, the music is still in my head!”
Me too, little girl. Just where it should be.
6. It’s part of the American culture of Christmas
Next year, I want to see a Random Act of Culture flash mob with ballet. Booyah.
5. The dancing
Is not ballet oh- so-lovely?
4. It’s lovely
Yes, it’s worth repeating. Lovely.
3. It’s live theatre
Where the costumes, sets, music and dancing merge together to create a magical world with only a thin wall between dancers and audience. You know what? I even love that thrill of anticipation as the house lights go down and the curtain rises.
2. You can blog about it.
Support the arts! Goodness knows, there is little attention paid to live theatre, especially for a family-friendly performance like The Nutcracker.
I do love my technology, games and plug-ins, but there is nothing like live theatre, sitting in the dark with loved ones and hundreds of strangers all watching the stage for the dancer’s next move. Sorry, Facebook. You just can’t compete.
And my Number One reason to attend a live performance of The Nutcracker:
1. It makes you want to dance about in your kitchen when you get home
Even if you were a ballet class drop out because you were too much of a tomboy.
Don’t worry if your kids make fun of your fake ballet, dance away. I’ll be dancing with you.
