Getting to the Nutcracker

Getting to the Nutcracker is a captivating documentary that transports viewers behind the curtains of one of the world's most beloved holiday traditions - the performance of The Nutcracker ballet. Released in 2014 and directed by the Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Serene Meshel-Dillman, this mesmerizing film not only showcases the beauty and the magic of this renowned ballet but intricately reveals the amount of effort, dedication, and passion required from the dancers, choreographers, and parents to bring such a splendid performance into life.

From auditions to the final applause, this documentary is a fascinating journey into the rigorous world of ballet. It primarily focuses on the students of the Marat Daukayev School of Ballet in Los Angeles, youngsters aging from three to eighteen. The meeting point for all these students is the zeal for ballet, and The Nutcracker is their grand stage where they can demonstrate their honed skills and passion to the world.

Instead of merely highlighting the enchanting elements of the ballet, Getting to the Nutcracker brings forth the demanding, taxing, and emotionally charged expedition pursued by these young dancers. It takes the audience through a labyrinth of hundreds of rehearsals, tiresome fittings, makeup sessions, and the nerve-wracking period of auditions. Intertwined with this journey, the viewers also get to witness the emotional trajectory of the performers, the struggle of balancing their life as students and their relentless pursuit of ballet.

The narrative is built in such a manner that the ballet aspirants become the focal points of the storyline, each contributing uniquely to the plot. It emphasizes on the dedication and discipline that ballet requires and also the sacrifices made. From dragging heavy bags packed with props and costumes, to managing school homework with an almost non-existing spare time, the film remarkably presents the day-to-day life of these ballet-star hopefuls. Many of these kids see ballet not just as an after-school activity but as a way of life—despite the physically grueling practices and limited chances for professional success.

The documentary also helps to dispel the notion that ballet is for the privileged or is only a pursuit of passionate females. The ballet school's focus on involving boys and nurturing their talents stands out from the film. The director effectively demonstrates the struggles that these young boys confront, balancing their love for ballet which is often falsely stigmatized as a 'feminine hobby’, with their everyday lives.

The parents of these ballet aspirants too play a significant role in the film, vividly illustrating the commitment and sacrifice not only from the dancers but their families as well. The constant carpooling, financial investments, and the emotional roller-coaster ride they go through as they watch their children strive to earn significant roles in the ballet, all amplify the film's emotional appeal.

One of the unique attributes of Getting to the Nutcracker is that it largely steers clear of a manipulative narrative or a forced sense of melodrama. Instead, the documentary draws its emotional core from the simple and unpretentious display of raw passion, determination, and dedication towards ballet. That combined with the film’s beautiful editing and unconventional storytelling makes for a truly engaging and enlightening watch.

The magical and iconic dance sequences from The Nutcracker ballet are interspersed throughout the narrative giving viewers an immersive glimpse of the visually compelling performance - the signature dances of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queens, Battle Scene, and more. The documentary also delivers the antithetical chaos and harmony that envelop behind the stage, juxtaposing with the serenity of the performance that the audience enjoys.

Getting to The Nutcracker provides a different vantage point to view the charismatic world of ballet and opens a window for the spectators to peek into the arduous journey leading to the magical world of The Nutcracker. It's a must-watch for those who appreciate the art of ballet, as the beautifully constructed narrative of this film truly encapsulates the essence of what it takes to create a production of such scale, all while staying true to the zeal and love for ballet. It encapsulates the joy and heartaches, the exhaustion and the excitement, the highs and lows leading up to the final performance, making the viewers appreciate the art form even more.