Tea with the Nutcracker

The “Nutcracker Ballet” is a beautiful holiday tradition that takes the audience into a world of a young girl’s dream. Media City Ballet’s “Clara’s Holiday Tea Party,” another holiday tradition held at Descanso Gardens on Sunday, Nov. 23, will bring clarity to the dream ballet and share the story with an audience during a wonderful afternoon tea.

Clara’s Tea Party is a way for an audience to share the timeless story of the magical toy Nutcracker that comes to life; it’s hoped it will also acquaint youngsters with the ballet characters in advance of Dec. 6-7 performances of the “Nutcracker” at the Alex Theatre in Glendale.

“We would like everyone to feel comfortable [before] going to the ballet,” said Carie Davies, tea chairman and a mother of one of the Media City Ballet dancers.

She added that really understanding the story could make the ballet even more magical. And that children get excited when they see the Nutcracker, the magic of Drosselmeyer and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Natasha Middleton, artistic director of Media City Ballet, has gathered talented dancers and actors for the company’s upcoming performance of “The Nutcracker.” Many of those performers will also be at the tea party, including magician Craig Dickens, who has taken on the role of Clara’s godfather, Drosselmeyer.

The ballet premiered in 1892, and is based on a story “The Nutcracker and the King of the Mice” written by E.T.A. Hoffmann. Clara is a young girl who receives a Nutcracker as a present from her godfather Drosselmeyer during a family Christmas party. Drosselmeyer, a magician, brings many gifts but to her, the Nutcracker is the most amazing. At the end of the party Clara falls asleep with the beloved present in her arms and her dream, or magical reality, transforms all the gifts under the tree to living, dancing beings. “An emcee explains the scenes as they are performed,” Davies said.

Tea party participants will feel as if they are part of the story. They are encouraged to dress for high tea, as if they are part of the Christmas party depicted in the play. They will enjoy dancing performances, story-telling and an assortment of tea sandwiches.

“We will have Drosselmeyer’s Delicious Roasted Vegetable with Pesto Mayonnaise on Focaccia and Clara’s Curry Chicken on Marble Rye,” Davies said. There will also be a child-friendly menu with a Nutcracker surprise dessert. Admission tickets will be entered into a drawing to win tickets to see the Media City Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.”

Davies said that this type of event is a wonderful way to introduce children to the ballet.

“It shows them that ballet is not scary,” Davies said. “This is just a wonderful event.”

Clara’s Holiday Tea Party is from 1 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 23 in Van de Kamp Hall at Descanso Gardens. Tickets are $75 for adults and $60 for children 12 and under. The price includes lunch, entertainment and entrance to Descanso Gardens.

To make reservations for Clara’s Tea Party call (818) 232-7632. For further information or to buy tickets online visit the website, www.mediacityballet.org.