The Washington Ballet - The Nutcracker

Set on Christmas Eve in 1882 Georgetown, The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker gives Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday ballet a distinctly American spin. Choreographed by Septime Webre, this version turns George Washington into Clara’s Nutcracker Prince and reimagines the Rat King as King George III. After a battle with toy soldiers, Clara journeys through an enchanted winter to a springtime of cherry blossoms, where Lady Liberty, John Paul Jones, cardinals and frontier dancers join the celebration. First staged by the company in 1961, this festive blend of classic ballet and playful historical touches makes the familiar tale feel rooted in a particular place and imagination.