George Balanchine's The Nutcracker [The Nutcracker CD Inside!]

by George Balanchine

Photographs taken during the film production, capture all the elegant and rich movement of George Balanchine's ballet.

Genres: Christmas, Childrens, Picture Books, Holiday, Fantasy, Fiction

Hardcover

First published November 1, 1993

About the author

George Balanchine, originally Georgi Balanchivadze, Russian-American artistic director of the ballet of New York City in 1948, choreographed more than one hundred, including Firebird (1949) and Don Quixote (1965).

George Balanchine of Georgian parentage of the 20th century foremost pioneered in the United States, co-founded and mastered. His deep knowledge of classical forms and techniques based his modern creative work. He expressed, not illustrated, music in dance and worked extensively with Igor Stravinsky, his contemporary.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_...

Reviews

[Abigail Weh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice quick Christmas read with beautiful pictures of the ballet performed by the New York City Ballet featuring Macaulay Culkin. It’s not mind-blowingly written, but it is enjoyable and if you can’t watch the live version, the pictures at least allow you to see the stage and outfits of the performers. I definitely enjoyed studying the photos when I was younger, particularly as I was in ballet and absolutely adored the outfits and dances.

[Kathryn Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this myself as an 18 year old because I never remember reading it as a kid and it was just fun and nostalgic. I listened to the soundtrack while I read and it was truly magical.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the Nutcracker complete with beautiful photography of the ballet. We chose to read this book because my daughter will be performing in the Nutcracker this year. She is really excited now after reading this. And especially pleased to use the CD top practice.

[Kim Belnap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn’t get to see The Nutcracker this year so it was fun to read it with my girls. The photos are awesome ❤️

[Charles Fortune · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story and pictures from the ballet.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this aloud to my four-year-old, who loved it so much we finished it in two sittings in the space of the same day. It's not my favorite of the Nutcracker books out there, but it was perfect for introducing the ballet to a preschooler. I'm sure we'll be reading others - and watching the actual ballet on video - very soon!

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Photography of the New York City Ballets performance of the Nutcracker. The story is told along with the photos. It is well done and my daughter and I enjoyed it immensely. I noticed Godpapa Drosselmeier's nephew is Macaulay Culkin. I asked my daughter if she recognized him and she said,"He's in Home Alone." I had no idea "Kevin" had been a ballet dancer. Now, that is some fun holiday trivia.;) This would be a great book to prep children (and adults) before a Nutcracker performance. One more note: We were both irritated with Fritz's parents for not stopping his little reign of terror. Fritz has some anger issues.

[Jeremiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter became entranced by the Nutcracker when she was two, and four years later she still loves it-especially the performance this book is based on. Now this book has both the soundtrack and it's filled with scenes from the same performance. By love, love it, be whisked off to a front row seat every time.

[Josette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book comes w/ a CD of the music. My children love to listen to the music while they look at the book and recall scenes from the live ballet.

[Covenant Presbyterian Springfield Ohio]

Call Number: J Hol MEY

Available.

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really quite lovely. My children and I love to read it over and over again. Wonderful way to introduce children to the ballet.

[Laura Hendrickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my 5 year old daughter's favorite reads.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book, perfect combination of the Nutcracker with beautiful illustrations from the ballet performance. Also includes the CD, couldn't ask for more.

[Pami.Rb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bellísimo...lo leeré en Español. Lo había leído hasta la mitad, pero ésta vez en inglés. Hermoso 💝 Un poco una historia de amor infantil e inocente.