The Nutcracker Backstage: The Story And The Magic

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Summary: backstage view of ballet production
Review: The authors of "A Parents Guide to Ballet" focus on Tchaikovsky's timeless ballet the "Nutcracker" which has delighted generations of children and parents. This book is for both children and parents about what goes into putting on a rewarding performance of the "Nutcracker." In this, it familiarizes children with auditions, costuming, professional and volunteer production staff, and staging if they should be interested in becoming involved in ballet. The mostly inherent, but occasionally explicit guidance for parents is how they can help children become involved. Bright color photos capture dramatic and colorful scenes from the play; while others equally as bright capture the varied behind-the-scenes activities. Tchaikovsky's music is briefly discussed to round out this introduction to the ballet.


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Summary: The reality of the fantasy: Nutcracker backstage
Review: I've been a ballet mom for more than nine years, which translates into volunteering at more than 72 performances of The Nutcracker. I wish I'd had this terrific book when I was just starting out. It includes a wonderful story-telling version of the ballet, lavish photos, and a great deal of detail about everything that goes on behind the scenes.
But the thing I like best about "The Nutcracker Backstage" is the loving way it treats the corps roles, especially the children's parts: the author devotes lots of pictures and prose to the mice, the soldiers, the Polichinelles, the angels and the party children. It's so nice to see a book that pays respectful attention to the many kids who aren't the "star" of the production, but nevertheless are indispensable in their own small way. And it's a lot of fun to see how different companies use costumes and makeup to give a distinct personality to "their" production.
This book would make a terrific gift for a child dancing in The Nutcracker or for the dancer's parents.