Balanchine’s Candied Paradise of Childhood

Sugar plums and marzipan, dewdrops, chocolates and candy canes, the wonders of “The Nutcracker’s” Land of Sweets are treats and spectacles, perhaps no greater than the fantasy of the immense rising Christmas tree, which grows towering like a magic bean stalk from the stage. As midnight chimes on Christmas Eve, a young girl meets a young prince in disguise, and both are flung into a secret battle of tin soldiers, gingerbread men and a multi-headed mouse framed in faces like a Hindu god. Based on the novella by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann, the ballet set to a score by Tchaikovsky was deemed a failure at the end of the 19th century, but was revived as an enduring classic by choreographer George Balanchine’s New York City Ballet in 1954 (they have performed it every year since). “The Father of American Ballet,” Balanchine had been a master for The Ballets Russes under Sergei Diaghilev, the man responsible for the widespread popularity of ballet in Europe. Balanchine’s trademark dance method he honed at his American company can be seen in the severity of the speed and strong, clean lines created by the highly flexible ballerinas. The Sugar Plum Fairy as he choreographed it remains the most changing role in ballet —  put through hell to dance like an angel.

“The Nutcracker” is now being performed by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center in New York, N.Y., and by the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory at The Warner Theatre in Torrington, Conn., on Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18. Photo by Erin Baiano

“The Nutcracker” is now being performed by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center in New York, N.Y., and by the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory at The Warner Theatre in Torrington, Conn., on Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18. Photo by Erin Baiano

“The Nutcracker” is now being performed by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center in New York, N.Y., and by the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory at The Warner Theatre in Torrington, Conn., on Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18. Photo by Erin Baiano

Latest News

From research to recognition: Student project honors pioneering Black landowner

Cornwall Consolidated School seventh graders Skylar Brown, Izabella Coppola, Halley Villa, Willow Berry, Claire Barbosa, Willa Lesch, Vivianne DiRocco and Franco Aburto presented a group research project on the life of Naomi Freeman Wednesday, April 23. In attendance were U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Conn., John Mills, president of Alex Breanne Corporation, Cornwall First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Cornwall Selectman Jennifer Markow and CCS social studies teacher Will Vincent.

Photo by Riley Klein

CORNWALL — “In Cornwall you have made the decision that everyone here matters and everyone’s story is important,” said U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Waterbury, to the seventh grade class at Cornwall Consolidated School April 23.

Hayes was in attendance to celebrate history on Wednesday as the CCS students presented their group research project on the life of Naomi Cain Freeman, the first Black female landowner in Cornwall.

Keep ReadingShow less
Legal Notices - April 24, 2025

Town of Salisbury

Board of Finance

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - April 24, 2025

Help Wanted

Experienced horse equestrian: to train three-year-old white Persian Mare for trail riding. 860-67-0499.

Help wanted: Small Angus Farm seeks reliable help for cattle and horses. Duties include feeding, fence repair, machine repair. Will train the right person. 860-671-0499.

Keep ReadingShow less