WELCOME TO THE SHOW

I've been there, I've danced it. And it is one of the most rewarding experiences ever. If you've never seen this Ballet you should. Talk about capturing the Christmas spirit and feeling like a kid again. So find a production near you and go to it. Below is something I wrote (and published in the Chinook Magazine) to commemorate a bit of Christmas writing cheer. Here's to enjoying this seasonal time of year. And always remember

THE NUTCRACKER

(Original story by E.T.A. Hoffmann; Music for the Ballet by Tchaikovsky. Circa 1892)

Spirits are high when Christmas draws near as The Nutcracker Ballet enchants us each year
I'm here with my friends 
to enjoy the show
the dancers, the music, 
the magical glow
I danced The Nutcracker 
in days gone by
The memory brings 
a clandestine tear to my eye…

As the curtain rises on a moonlit Christmas night
Music fills our senses 
ballerinas pleasure our sight
Hearts soar when Clara 
is gifted a Nutcracker toy
Then a magical wish turns 
the doll into a living Prince boy

But be wary young dancers 
for danger abounds
Mouse King will kill you 
and steal the joy you have found
but the Nutcracker Prince
 will have none of that
Summoning his toy soldiers 
he kills all the rats

Enter the Sugar Plum Fairy 
and enchanted land of sweets
Flourishing with happiness and dancers wondrous feats

As the Prince and Clara 
share an alluring Pas de duet
He tells her they will dance on forever, he promises that
Yet Snowflakes are falling 
the dream spell is calling

Clara must go home
She wakes to find her 
Prince boy

has sadly turned back into 
The Nutcracker toy
Cradling him dearly 
she dances and dreams
knowing Christmas wishes 
are always as real as they seem.

NUTCRACKER POEM 
BY KAYE MANRO

Copyright © Kaye Manro