The Nutcracker in Virtual World

The Nutcracker is an odd tale of fantasy or a dream that a young girl has on Christmas night. The ballet was based on the original story, "The Nutcracker and the King of Mice" written by E.T.A Hoffman. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky wrote the score for the two act ballet.

Marius Petipa choreographed the story into the ballet that was revised by French author, Alexander Dumas. Dumas' version is the Nutcracker that we all love.



The story takes place at the Stahlbaum home where the family is celebrating their annual Christmas party. The children are usually shown dancing while the adults visit and dance as well. Godfather Drosselmeyer arrives with a special gift for both Clara and Fritz. Fritz becomes jealous of the wooden Nutcracker present that was given to Clara, and he grabs the wooden soldier and breaks it.



Clara's gift comes alive and takes her on a fantastic dream sequence with the Mouse King and an army of wooden toy solders. The two are escorted to the Land of Sweets by the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier. The characters celebrate the victory over the Mouse King with a series of pas de deux by Spanish, Arabian, Russian, and Chinese dancers.



At the end, all the flowers come out to dance the finale with the Waltz of the Flowers. The Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier dance the final Pas De Deux.

The Nutcracker is usually one of the first ballets that most children and adults will see. The sweet story and charming costumes draw the audience in at no matter what age you see this beautiful ballet. Family friendly, the ballet takes you on a fantasy ride of childhood memories and fears.



Here in the virtual world of Second Life, Ballet Pixelle has recreated the charming ballet for the Christmas season. The Nutcracker was the third ballet developed for the virtual world. Each year, Ballet Pixelle expands and recreates the story here in Second Life. The charm of this ballet is not lost in the virtual; the ballet stays true and is ready to delight even those of us who have seen it in real life. Celebrate this Holiday season with this wonderful ballet!

Just like a real ballet company, Ballet Pixelle will be presenting The Nutcracker during several performances until Christmas (and maybe after!). Check their website for the show schedules. All the shows will be scheduled every Sunday at 5 pm and Wednesday at 3 pm (all times in SLT). Many thanks to the hardworking dancers in this production of the Nutcracker!

Aiyana Tripsa
Amelie Dibou
Cecilia Mistwalker
Desiree Lurra
Deyna Broek
Luci Yokosuka
Neena Botanical
Patros Zifer
Sherainbow Merlin
Skippy Flossberg
Tik Merlin
Tinka Bondar
Vivienne Darcy
Xanthi Oridium

Inarra Saarinen, Artistic Director of Ballet Pixelle
The Making of a Ballet in Virtual Space


Thank you Inarra and the cast of The Nutcracker Ballet!
Location: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Quat/32/22/107


Editor's Note: During this holiday season, try to see The Nutcracker Ballet in your own community. To save cost for your family, see the performance in the afternoon when tickets cost less. Otherwise, there is no other date night, like a night at the ballet. And, if you are impressed, then subscribe to the ballet company and support the arts!