We saw the Nutcracker Suite today - SUNY Purchase NY 10577

We saw the Nutcracker Suite today - SUNY Purchase NY 10577.

This was a fun day with my family and I had so much fun with my 7 yr old niece. My mom is now making this a family tradition - 3 yrs in a row. I needed a break from work, so it was perfect.

While I was watching and listening, I couldn't stop thinking about the first time I saw the Nutcracker Suite and what an impression it made on me. I was probably 6 or 7 and of course we saw it at Lincoln Center. This is one of the huge benefits of living in Westchester...we are right next to the Culture Center of the world - New York City.  And, it's such a wonderful place to be this time of year - perfect for a Broadway show, the Nutcracker Suite, the Rockettes and Rockefeller Tree and Ice rink.  Nothing beats the holiday season in NYC. It makes you so proud to be a New Yorker.

So, I took dance classes for years and used to dance in the living room to the Nutcracker Suite...and, now, my niece does the same...although I think she actually prefers the Barbie version she has on DVD.

I was also amazed (as I am every time I listen to it), how beautiful and familiar this music is.  It's amazing how it's become such a part of our culture - contained in so many movies and commercials and of course when we are shopping for holiday gifts..  It's amazing how Tchaikovsky wrote such a beautiful ballet and how it has become timeless even though it was written in 1892.  So, I looked up it on Wikipedia to try to uncover some interesting trivia.  It's hard to believe, but apparently the original production was not considered a success.   What we know of it today, is a shortened version and apparently the original story it's based off of included a section with a flashback where the prince was turned into the Nutcracker.

Regardless, it is a beautiful ballet and part of our culture.  This version was great.  It featured Ashley Bouder & Jared Angle from the New York City Ballet Principal Dancers and the Purchase Dance Company.  Already looking forward to going again next year.