Left image: Houston Ballet former Principal Melody Mennite as Clara in Stanton Welch's The Nutcracker. Photo by Amitava Sarkar (2018). Right image: Houston Ballet former dancers Paul LeGros and Katie King in Ben Stevenson's The Nutcracker. Photo by Connolly (c. 1976).
About this Exhibit
A few years after the establishment of the Houston Ballet in 1969, the company began a cherished holiday tradition: performing The Nutcracker to audiences across Houston. This timeless ballet, composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Marius Petipa in 1892, has become a beloved staple of the holiday season.
The Nutcracker tells the magical story of a young girl named Clara and her journey through a fantastical realm on Christmas Eve. The ballet has been reimagined through the creative vision of three distinguished choreographers for the Houston Ballet: Frederic Franklin (1972-1975), Ben Stevenson O.B.E. (1976-1986, 1987-2015), and Stanton Welch AM (2016-present). Each interpretation has infused new life into this classic tale, while honoring its enchanting story.
This exhibit showcases artifacts from each production, highlighting the creativity and dedication of the artists involved.
Join Us
Learn about the choreography, set designs, and costumes that have evolved over the years, enhancing the visual and emotional impact of the performance. As you experience Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker Comes to Life, we invite you to embrace the magic of the holidays and reflect on the memories and traditions that make this season special.
Please join us for the following family-friendly programs with Houston Ballet:
OPENING RECEPTION | Saturday, November 9, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
December 3, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Looscan Neighborhood Library | Ballet Talk | Register Here |
December 4, 2024 | 10:30 - 11:30 AM | Park Place Regional Library | Ballet Talk | Register Here |
December 17, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Stanaker Neighborhood Library | Ballet Talk | Register Here |
December 19, 2024 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM | Oak Forest Neighborhood Library | Ballet Talk | Register Here |
December 21, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Kendall Neighborhood Library | Ballet Talk | Register Here |
December 21, 2024 | 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM | Central Library | Dance to Learn | Coming Soon |
January 4, 2025 | 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM | Central Library | Dance to Learn | Coming Soon |
EXPLORE THE COLLECTIONS
MSS 0169 Lauren Anderson Papers
Finding aid coming soon!
SUGGESTED READING AND MEDIA
Kid/Juvenile
- Alexander, Heather, A Child's Introduction to The Nutcracker: The Story, Music, Costumes, and Choreography of the Fairy Tale Ballet
- Allman, John Robert, The Night Before the Nutcracker
- Brett, Jan, Jan Brett's The Nutcracker
- Celenza, Anna Harwell, Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite
- Coleman, Jennifer, The Texas Nutcracker
- Hoffman, E.T.A., Nutcracker
- Kladstrup, Kristin, The Nutcracker Mice
- Mayhew, James, Ella Bella Ballerina and The Nutcracker
- McMorrow, T.E., The Nutcracker in Harlem
- Nebres, Charlotte, Charlotte the Ballerina: The True Story of a Girl Who Made Nutcracker History
Adult
- Houston Ballet Guild, Shall We Dine: Houston Ballet Cookbook
- Fisher, Jennifer, Nutcracker Nation: How an Old World Ballet Became a Christmas Tradition in the New World
- Johansen, Erika, The Kingdom of Sweets: A Novel of The Nutcracker
- Maguire, Gregory, Hiddensee: A Tale of the Once and Future Nutcracker
- Whitehill, Angela, The Nutcracker Backstage: The Story and the Magic
- Wiley, Roland John, Tchaikovsky's Ballets: Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Nutcracker
Don't forget our Library of Things!
Listen to over 100 music recordings of The Nutcracker!
This exhibition is in partnership with Houston Ballet and generously supported by City of Houston, Houston Public Library, and Houston Public Library Foundation.
Looking Up: Sky, Branch and Bough exhibits 44 tree paintings from artist Marla Luttrell’s neighborhood. The paintings, created outdoors to capture the essence of the trees in nature, are presented as small “tiles” mimicking the interface of a cell phone. The juxtaposition of natural beauty and the imitation of man-made technology encourages viewers to go outside and look up at natural beauty rather than look down at their phones. Luttrell observed the trees for over a year. Each painting evokes the senses awakened by sights, sounds, and climate.
Marla Luttrell is a contemporary impressionist landscape oil painter in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit the artist’s Instagram page: @marlaluttrellartist.