Why You Should Take Your Kids to The Nutcracker

I am a staunch no-Christmas-before-Thanksgiving believer. But I will confess that I have the teensiest bit of Christmas on the brain already, because it is almost time for The Nutcracker! There is just something about the iconic ballet that always puts me in the Christmas spirit…even if it’s still November.

In addition to loving the magic of this time of year, I just really love dance. Even though I never took ballet lessons–I prefer tap, for the record–I have a great appreciation for the art form and really enjoy watching it. The great thing about The Nutcracker is that since it is so kid-friendly, it is a great way to introduce children to the arts. Plus, there is not much cuter than little kids dressed up in their fanciest attire for a show at the theater.

If you need more convincing, here are 5 reasons why you should take your kids to The Nutcracker.

1. Celebrate the Holiday Season in a Non-Commercial Way

From stores stocking Christmas trees in October to the (dreaded) Amazon toy catalog showing up unannounced in the mail, so much of what our children encounter when it comes to the holidays is commercial. Rather than another “thing,” attending a production of The Nutcracker is an experience that is sure to enhance the spirit of the season and create lasting memories that will last way longer than the latest gadget.

2. Start a New Tradition

While new activities can be fun, there is something to be said for consistency and tradition. Attending The Nutcracker as a family or as a one-on-one activity with your child is a special way to mark the season, and you can do it annually. It will give you something to look forward to amidst the busy-ness that so often characterizes “the most wonderful time of the year.”

3. Support Local Dancers

There are so many talented artists of all genres in our area, and this is certainly showcased in dance. From professional dance companies like Ballet Memphis to local dance schools, there is no shortage of talent gracing stages all over town. These professional and student dancers have put in A LOT of work (as a ballet mom, I know this firsthand), so what greater way can we show our appreciation than to be–and show our children how to be–eager audience members? Speaking of student dancers, if your child has ever expressed any desire to dance and twirl, then exposing them to a live production is a great way to foster that aspiration, too!

4. Encourage Theatre Production Careers

Maybe you have a child that’s not a dancer but loves the theatre! Perhaps The Nutcracker will spark an interest in music, set design, costumes, or even the work of a stage technician! These careers in the arts are so important and often overlooked. All the “behind the scenes” jobs create the magic that you experience. After The Nutcracker is over, take your child down to the front of the Orpheum and peak into the orchestra pit — it’s really cool!

5. Promote a Non-Screen Activity

Screens are an ubiquitous part of our daily lives, but as parents, we are all looking for ways to cut back on our children’s exposure to them. Enter live ballet. The Nutcracker is so exciting that your kids won’t even miss having a screen in front of their impressionable little faces. The storyline is relatively easy to follow with lots of action. The music is familiar and often upbeat. The costumes are colorful and sometimes even sparkly. It might even snow on stage. What more could you ask for?

So, if you are ready to share with your children something more meaningful than giant inflatable snow globes at the hardware store to signal the beginning of the holiday season, then you are in luck, because Memphis has a number of opportunities to take your kids to The Nutcracker this year. Enjoy the show!

Ballet Memphis’s stunning production of The Nutcracker, playing December 12–14 at the Orpheum Theatre, features live music by the Memphis Symphony and is the only classic Nutcracker from a local, professional ballet company!

Thanks to Ballet Memphis’s support, our Memphis Moms community can feel extra confident that this local cultural event is kid-friendly, beautifully produced, and a memorable holiday outing for families. Get tickets here: https://balletmemphis.org/nutcracker