It\u2019s Christmas Eve. The snow is falling peacefully and the Stahlbaums\u2019 home is filled with the scent of fir trees, festive decorations and atmospheric lighting. Little Clara is gifted with a stately nutcracker by her whimsical godfather, Drosselmeyer. In her adventurous dreams that night, a wild battle against the vicious Mouse King ensues. Full of heroism and armed with a slipper, Clara and the nutcracker defeat him. The nutcracker reveals himself to be an enchanted prince who brings Clara to Candyland. Together, with living toys and the Sugar Plum Fairy, they celebrate a great feast. In the heady throes of first love, Clara and the prince dance a pas de deux before an elegant waltz concludes the grand finale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The magical story about heroism and love has touched the hearts of generations in various variations for more than 200 years. The original \u201cThe Nutcracker and the Mouse King\u201d was penned by E. T. A. Hoffmann in 1816 and has been adapted into a popular two-act Christmas ballet. Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky composed the music for the ballet that has beguiled audiences for generations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We have put together the best places for you to experience your personal nutcracker dream. So, sit back, relax and let the Sugar Plum Fairy lead you on an enchanted journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dresden in eastern Germany is the perfect destination to spend a fascinating evening of ballet while exploring the home of the real nutcracker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From December 5 to December 26, 2022, the Semperoper will bring \u201cThe Nutcracker\u201d to stage. This interpretation by Aaron S. Watkin and Jason Beechey is based on the original story by E. T. A. Hoffmann, yet provides a few surprises as the plot is relocated to Dresden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to the famous Striezelmarkt, other typical elements of the Christmas season from Dresden<\/a> appear. The choreography, on the other hand, remains classic in nature and is performed by the Palucca Academy of Dance. The S\u00e4chsische Staatskapelle Dresden, which was founded in 1548 and is one of the most renowned orchestras in the world, sets the tune. The Semperoper itself is steeped in history, with three buildings and countless reconstructions. Even though the current one dates back to only 1985, Dresden\u2019s opulent landmark hasn\u2019t lost its radiance and delights millions of visitors every year. Our tip: Ensure to take the guided tour of the Semperoper in Dresden before the performance to get exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the history of the State Opera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To experience the enchanting scenery of the ballet in reality, head to the Striezelmarkt. The famous Christmas market in the center of Dresden<\/a> is one of the oldest in the world (circa 1434). The name is derived from Striezel, the high German word for Stollen, and refers to the protected local Christmas pastry made of yeast, raisins, candied orange peel and a dusting of powdered sugar. In addition to this local delicacy, you\u2019ll also discover ornate nutcrackers, Christmas pyramids and Schwibb\u00f6gen (candle arches). Handmade in the nearby Ore Mountains, the richly ornamented unique wooden decorations are the perfect Christmas souvenir.<\/p>\n\n\n