This book is dedicated to the hundreds of dancers whose passion and dedication bring magic to every holiday season, and to Paul E. Curtis and Shawn Stuart, whose vision started it all.
It was Christmas Eve, and Clara could hardly contain her excitement. The house smelled of pine and gingerbread, and candle light danced across the walls. Tonight, her family was hosting a grand Christmas party, and the air was filled with laughter and cheer. Guests arrived carrying presents and stories to share. For Clara, her brother, and their friends, the gifts were most exciting of all!
That evening, she and her family received a beautiful teapot, toy soldiers, a giant pink cake, and a sparkling tower of sugarplums that seemed almost too magical to eat.
As the party grew louder and livelier, the lights suddenly dimmed. A hush fell over the room, and a mysterious guest appeared at the door. For a moment, it felt as if the whole room were under a spell.
When the lights returned, Clara’s eyes lit up with recognition. It was her beloved godfather, Drosselmeyer, known for his magical surprises. Tonight was no exception. After greeting everyone, Drosselmeyer unveiled magical surprises. First, dolls he had magically brought to life danced gracefully around the room—a ballerina twirling with elegance, a playful Harlequin, and a cheerful Columbine. Then, with a warm smile, he presented Clara with a hand-carved nutcracker he had made just for her. Clara held it close, overflowing with love and gratitude.
Later that night, sleep could not claim her. The nutcracker sat alone under the tree, and Clara tiptoed downstairs to keep him company. She picked him up, gently rocking him in her arms, until finally, the room faded, and she slipped into the most magical dream. In her dream, Drosselmeyer appeared once more. Just as he had made the dolls dance, he made the Christmas tree grow taller and taller so tall that the house itself seemed to vanish. Clara gasped in wonder as the magic swirled around her
But the tree was not the only thing to grow. Everything under and around it expanded too. Suddenly, Clara found herself surrounded by enormous mice, their sharp teeth gnawing and claws scratching. Fear gripped her
until, to her delight, the Nutcracker sprang to life. Brave and strong, he battled the Mouse King and his army to protect her. Just when it seemed he might lose, Drosselmeyer’s magic shone through again, enchanting Clara’s slipper. With it, she was able to save her Nutcracker and defeat the Mouse King.
To show his gratitude, the Nutcracker led Clara on a wondrous journey. First, they entered a moonlit forest where the Snow Queen welcomed them.
Snowflakes waltzed around, sparkling in the soft light, and carried them to a chestnut boat waiting to glide them to the next magical destination.
The boat floated down a shining river to a magnificent palace—the home of the Sugar Plum Fairy. As they arrived, she called everyone to welcome Clara and the Nutcracker. The Nutcracker shared his story: of coming to life, battling the Mouse King, and of Clara’s bravery. The Sugar Plum Fairy, impressed, called for a grand celebration. Guests shared their dances, gifts, and magical tales from across the land.
Clara and the Nutcracker watched in wonder as the Land of Sweets came to life before their eyes. Dancing chocolates and marzipan were a vision to behold, while fragrant teas and rich coffee filled the air with warmth and delight. Sugar-spun flowers seemed to dance across a shimmering meadow, and ribbon candies twirled with dizzying joy. Then came Mother Cupcake, accompanied by her delightful troupe of dancing gingerbread cookies. Clara smiled, noticing that Mother Cupcake looked remarkably like the grand cake her family had received at the party earlier that evening. But the true highlight was the Sugar Plum Fairy herself. As Clara gazed upon her graceful movements, she imagined herself as a glittering queen in this enchanted world twirling, shimmering, and free. In that magical moment, Clara wished the night would never end
But all magical journeys must come to an end. Clara and her Nutcracker returned to their chestnut boat and left the Land of Sweets. She awoke on the couch at home, the tree and presents around her. Had it been a dream? Drosselmeyer only smiled knowingly. Clara didn’t need an answer. She knew the magic was real, and it was a Christmas gift she would carry in her heart forever.