The Nutcracker

High school (ages 12+)
Art & Creativity

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/the-nutcracker

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the original premiere date?December 17, 1892
2. What is the original librettist?Marius Petipa
3. What is the story of The Nutcracker about?The ballet follows Clara, a young girl, who meets a toy soldier that turns into a prince. He battles the Mouse King and travels to a Land of Sweets where many dances are shown, showing Clara growing from a child to someone who sees the world differently.
4. Why is the Nutcracker a holiday favorite?The Nutcracker is loved during Christmas because it is bright, family‑friendly, and full of dancing and music that feel like a holiday party. It has become a tradition in many homes and theaters around the world.

Novella: A short novel or a long short story, typically more complex than a short story.
Leitmotif: A recurring musical theme associated with a particular person, place, or idea.
Pas de Deux: A dance duet, typically between a male and female dancer.