CHICAGO—“The Nutcracker Ballet” is based off of E.T.A. Hoffman’s classic story that Russian composer Tchaikovsky adapted into a ballet in 1892. It has danced its way around the world and into Chicago hearts for a century. Indeed, Robert Joffrey choreographed a version and it was the city’s Christmas staple for decades. Eight years ago, the Joffrey Ballet replaced it with an extravaganza that has became an even more popular dance spectacular.
International choreographer Christopher Wheeldon reimagined the dance with a story by Brian Selznick. This ballet takes place in one of the most important periods in Chicago history. Although the new place and era are changed, the ballet still follows the tale of the early Hoffman version.
