The Waltz of the Snowflakes live had a similar feel to the Sugar Plum Fairy music in the beginning. There was a choir singing and it sounded like chimes were going off as well. Many more dances filled the stage. My ballet teacher’s friend was one of the snowflakes. She tried pointing her out. However, during this performance she couldn’t even find her. The Waltz of the Snowflakes has around twenty dancers that all look identical. It was a beautiful piece and it made the snowflakes look more powerful since they looked the same. All of the ballerinas were in perfect sync. This scene replicated a storm and the music felt very intense and powerful. We never danced to this piece as much so it did not hit me as hard as the Sugar Plum Fairy Music. But the live performance was of course more intense then watching it back on the YouTube clip.
There are more layers and texture to this music. It is incredible to me how in sync all the ballerinas were. This music is less harmonious. So getting the timing right for this type of music is extremely difficult. It was hectic, as are snow falls sometimes. The piece really all came together and was absolutely beautiful to watch. The harp is really beautiful in this piece. I enjoyed watching the partner work as well during this piece. The melody is conjunct due to the music going from high to low a lot. The music builds throughout creating a more intense feel throughout the theater during the live performance. I was surprised at first when the singing started, but it created more energy on the stage.
It almost felt like I was in heaven while watching. The harp, bells, and triangles were all playing. It was all very whimsical. There was snow falling and the snowflake dancers almost looked like angles. It was truly stunning. Once again, I got the chills!
YOUTUBE LINK 1
YOUTUBE LINK 2
The second clip does not have as many snowflakes at the beginning. But once the storm starts more snowflakes come out. As said before, the instruments are all over the place. It is very loud and intense which makes it difficult for the dancers to be in sync. I would say that the first YouTube clip was the least in sync. The live performance I remember seeing some timing errors, but then again it was a rehearsal. The best timing and formations was from the second YouTube clip. This clip is from the NYC ballet and was filmed. This performance had to be flawless. It would have been amazing to this one live. The Fox theater in Saint Louis, Missouri has always had many different types of shows that come to perform. I go at least twice a year. This was a very special performance to go see. I have never seen the Nutcracker live, but I am very happy I did!
Being on the Miami Dance Team is very different from anything I have done. I miss going to ballet class and hearing classical music all the time. This performance made me remember how much I love classical music. I appreciate the hard work and talent that goes into the music. Without music, there is no dancing. The music in the Nutcracker is very different. It sounds whimsical and lifts the audience’s spirits. It has very high emotions, but it is calming in a way while taking in the setting, ballet, plot, and feeling the music.
Concert Comparison 