Perspective: Behind the holiday classic lies an unsavory history that may change the way you think about it
. Both ballets were hatched by a man named Ivan Vsevolozhsky, whom Alexander III installed as director of the imperial theaters. So Petipa, working for the man with a direct line to the czar, was under a little pressure.According to Morrison, this meant honoring Alexander by recapping his coronation feast — a big deal in a czar’s life — and promoting the splendors of the empire, particularly foods from distant lands carried back to Russian kitchens.
And the French pastry? It performs double duty here, as a delicious symbol of the brand-new military pact between Russia and France. Efforts to flatter the French are also clear in photos from the 1892 original, Morrison points out, with hints of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia — disastrous for both nations, each suffering hundreds of thousands of dead. Yet “The Nutcracker” gives it a friendly spin.“The Franco-Russian alliance was depicted in the original costuming,” Morrison says.
Tchaikovsky filled out the ballet with imported melodies. The “Arabian” music is a Georgian lullaby. The bravura “Russian” dance — with its deep squats and high leaps — is based on a Ukrainian folk dance. The “Grandfather Dance” in the Act I Christmas party is a 17th-century German folk tune.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Donovan Mitchell thrives behind defense as Cavaliers capture 4th straight victory: Behind the numbersMitchell continues to give Cleveland a lot to be thankful for and was simply superb Wednesday, finishing with 34 points on 11 of 18 shooting, including 6 of 10 from 3-point range.
Read more »
Here's How New York Is Cracking Down on Bitcoin MiningNew York's GovKathyHochul signed a two-year moratorium on new PoW bitcoin mining operations into law. Plattsburgh-based mining operation Zafra CEO Ryan Brienza questions the timing of this move, saying she was 'waiting for the [U.S. Midterm] election.'
Read more »
Why Do We Grieve Losing a Pet So Deeply?Here are just some of the reasons why the human-pet connection is so profound, by eLizMarcus
Read more »
Warm weather continues for Black Friday in Chicago with plenty of sunshineBlack Friday looks terrific from a weather perspective in Chicagoland.
Read more »
Perspective | What to watch with family — or use to ignore them — this ThanksgivingPerspective: Gather round or hide out alone in the guest bedroom under the pile of coats. These shows, including “The White Lotus,” “Dead to Me” and “Andor,” will see you through.
Read more »
Perspective | There is hope for stopping gun violence — look at cigarettes and seat beltsWe've made huge changes to at least two icons of Americana — smoking and cars. Changes that made these less deadly is the hope we need as we grow numb to gun violence.
Read more »