A Magical Tradition: David and Savannah's Journey with The Nutcracker

A Magical Tradition: David and Savannah's Journey with The Nutcracker

The soft glow of holiday lights illuminated the streets of Tacoma as families bundled in scarves and mittens made their way toward the grand entrance of the Pantages Theater. Among them were siblings David, age 11, and Savannah, age 9, their eyes alight with anticipation. For the past three years, attending the Tacoma City Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker had become a cherished family tradition, one that David and Savannah eagerly awaited each December.

Their first experience with The Nutcracker was when David was just 8 and Savannah 6. Their parents decided it was the perfect time to introduce them to the world of ballet and the magic of Tchaikovsky's timeless score. As they settled into their velvet-lined seats, the children were immediately captivated by the opulent sets and the hushed excitement that filled the theater. When the curtains rose, revealing a grand Christmas party at the Stahlbaum home, David and Savannah were transported into a world of wonder.

"I remember feeling like I was actually inside the story," David recalls. "The dancers moved so gracefully, and the music made everything feel so magical." Savannah nods enthusiastically, adding, "Clara was my favorite! I wanted to dance just like her."

Over the years, their appreciation for the ballet deepened. David became fascinated with the technical aspects of the performance—the intricate choreography, the timing of the orchestra, and the seamless scene transitions. He started taking piano lessons, inspired by the enchanting melodies of the ballet. "I wanted to understand how music could tell a story without words," he explains. "Playing the piano helps me feel connected to the music of The Nutcracker."

Savannah, on the other hand, found her passion in dance. After their second visit to the ballet, she begged her parents to enroll her in ballet classes. "Watching the Sugar Plum Fairy dance was like seeing a real fairy," she says. "I wanted to be part of that world." Now, she attends ballet classes twice a week and dreams of one day performing on the same stage where she first fell in love with dance.

Their annual trip to see The Nutcracker has become more than just a family outing; it's a celebration of their growing interests and talents. Each year brings new surprises—a different lead dancer, a fresh interpretation of a scene, or new set designs—that keep the experience exciting and new. "Even though it's the same story, it never feels the same," David remarks. "There's always something different to notice or appreciate."

As December approaches, the siblings are once again counting down the days until they can step into the magical world of The Nutcracker. This year is particularly special because Savannah's ballet class will be performing a small segment of the show in their winter recital. "I'm dancing as one of the snowflakes," she beams. "It's not the same as the big production, but it's a start!"

Their preparations for the event are as much a part of the tradition as the ballet itself. The family decorates their home with nutcracker figurines and hangs a special ornament on the Christmas tree—a tiny ballet slipper inscribed with the year of their first visit. They listen to the soundtrack during car rides and share their favorite moments from past performances. "I can't wait to see the battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King again," David says. "It's always so epic!"

Their parents are delighted to see how the ballet has inspired their children. "It's wonderful to watch them connect with the arts in such a meaningful way," their mother says. "These experiences are shaping who they are becoming, and we couldn't be happier."

This year's performance holds additional excitement as the Tacoma City Ballet has announced new choreography and costumes for certain scenes. Rumors of a dazzling new backdrop for the Land of Sweets have been circulating, and David and Savannah can hardly contain their curiosity. "I wonder what the Waltz of the Flowers will look like with the new sets," Savannah muses. "It's already so beautiful; I can't imagine how they can make it even better!"

Their enthusiasm extends beyond the performance. David plans to write a review for his school's newspaper, hoping to share the magic of The Nutcracker with his classmates. "Not everyone gets to see it, so I want to describe it in a way that makes them feel like they were there," he says. Savannah is organizing a small viewing party with her friends to watch a recorded version of the ballet and share why it's so special to her.

As the night of the performance arrives, David and Savannah dress in their holiday best. The familiar sights and sounds of the theater greet them like old friends—the warm lighting, the murmuring crowd, the distant tuning of instruments. Yet, there's always that flutter of excitement, as if they're experiencing it all for the first time.

When the lights dim and the overture begins, David and Savannah exchange a quick, excited glance. For the next two hours, they'll be immersed in a world of magic and music, a world that has become an integral part of their lives. "Every time the curtain rises, it's like opening a gift," Savannah says softly. "You never know exactly what's inside, but you know it's going to be wonderful."

Their story is a testament to the enduring power of the arts to inspire and enrich lives. Through The Nutcracker, David and Savannah have discovered passions that extend beyond the theater. They've learned to appreciate the dedication of the performers, the complexity of the music, and the joy of sharing these experiences with others.

As they leave the theater, the first flakes of snow begin to fall, adding a touch of real-world magic to their evening. "It's like we're still in the ballet," David laughs, catching a snowflake on his glove. Savannah twirls on the sidewalk, her laughter echoing the tinkling notes of the celesta from the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

With hearts full of wonder, they look forward to many more years of this cherished tradition, each performance a new chapter in their ongoing love affair with The Nutcracker. And who knows? Perhaps one day, they'll watch Savannah dance on that very stage, bringing the magic to a new generation of wide-eyed children.