The Nutcracker, Sweet!

My MIL gifted us with tickets to watch the San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker. We had pretty decent tickets in the Dress Circle, which meant we were high enough to see enough of the pretty snowflake patterns the dancers were making, but far enough not to be a nuisance if my toddler son started acting up. Plus with the higher view, we could see the entire depth of the stage.

The matinee we saw was called a Family Performance, which I interpreted as the family-friendly option. When we got to the War Memorial Opera House, the lines were bursting with cute little girls wearing red velvet dresses and frilly collars. My husband swore he saw a boy dressed as Little Lord Fauntleroy! Good thing my son was oblivious to the frilly fashion in his olive corderoys and ratty Steve shirt. As the line started to move forward, fake snow fell from the sky as a special effect. Then children were given free stuffed toys. Everyone was waiting for the characters to arrive in the lobby for a special meet-and-greet and obligatory autograph signing. During the intermission, they gave out free organic milk and chocolate chip cookies. It was great!

About the ballet - the show was an amazing display of grace, athleticism and aesthetics, real eye candy. Everybody watched in wide-eyed awe as the dancers transported us to this magical world of the Sugar Plum Fairy, toys coming to life, and a court of flowers. My son's favorite parts included the battle between the King Rat (or mouse?) and the Nutcracker/Prince. He also loved the boom of the cannons. I was proud of my son, he was very behaved and sat through the entire performance. He actually squealed with delight. Not all the children enjoyed it though. During some lulls, you could hear a baby whine. One child behind us actually bellowed out an indigant "AGAIN?" when the Prince came out on stage for his second round of solo pirouettes.

I loved the scenery and the costumes. Now, I'm mainly a cynic at heart and watching the Nutracker at Christmas time is such a cliche, but I can understand the lure of it. Waiting in line at the bathroom, a grey-haired lady with a kindly face struck up a conversation with me - saying that watching the ballet is a family tradition every Christmas.

Memories of my early ballet classes in Kapitolyo came back and for exactly 4 seconds, I regretted not sticking to my classes (which I exchanged for piano later on). I have a newfound appreciation for these dancers who make everything look so effortless. Every single precision leap through the air, graceful bend and tip-toed prance were woven together seamlessly. And the music! Nothing like a live orchestra to make music pound in your chest and reverberate for hours after. For a few hours, I was able take a mental break from the holiday rush of things and escape to an imaginary and magical world where we can all be kids again.

The official website of the San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker.