Nutcracker Giveaway Tickets Found Here!
I am not a dancer. I have never been a dancer and I will never be a dancer.
I had no particular dance aspirations for my 3-year-old daughter Hadley but recently enrolled her in a dance class taught my national-award-winning friend, Karla Call. I did this for no other purpose than to give her a sense of rhythm. I watched her practice for the first time last week.
My plan failed.
Despite the fact that she and I will never be prima ballerinas, I do have an appreciation for one particular event each year: The Nutcracker. I am not sure what has always struck me about this performance. I had never attended and only viewed it through picture books and television clips. But there is something about The Nutcracker that transcends the line between dancers and non-dancers into a world of magic, wonderment and beauty.
Even though I was under the weather, I took Hadley out for a special date on Friday night. We dressed in our Christmas best, went to dinner and then were whisked away into Clara’s magical world of the Mouse King, Nutcracker Prince and the Land of Sweets.
We were among many mothers and daughters, including our seatmates who informed me they had been coming for 20 years. They professed this was their special time to reconnect.
Haddie was a bit too young for it all but for the most part sat mesmerized as I snorted, coughed and blew my nose the entire way through the performance. Because heaven forbid I should be allowed out in public and at a cultural event, no less.
It is nice to know my 3 year old is more couth than I.
Better luck next year. Because like so many, there will be a next year for us.
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I am thrilled to offer you your own special date night with the child/person of your choice. Two lucky people will win tickets for two to The Nutcracker. The contest deadline is Thursday at 10 a.m. To enter, please email us at giveaways@milehighmamas.com with “Nutcracker” in the subject line.
Also, don’t forget we are giving away a family four-pack to Winter World Denver to a lucky person who contributes to our Kid Holiday Pics section.
Sound off here: What are your memories of The Nutcracker? What were some of your holiday traditions as a child?
Photo Credit: Terry Shapiro
I have never been to The Nutcracker but think I will take my 11-year-old daughter. It is never too late to start a tradition, right?!
I remember going as a child and I loved it. I haven’t been since and this spurred a lot of memories.
The picture of you and your daughter is lovely!
P.S. Consider this my plug for entering the contest.
I think it is wonderful that you and Hadley did that! I bet she will remember that for the rest of her life:-)
We always went to Chicago and walked down Michigan Ave. and State street to see all the windows decorated and animated. Sadly, they don’t really do that anymore
Have a happy Monday!
Chris
Serendipity Mine
P.s.
Hope Bubby is feeling better!
We have The nutcracker Ballet on VHS and the kids have watched 6 times already. I figured I would see if they even liked it before attepting to spend so much money on the real thing. I like the fancy date idea.
What a fun date night! I love it! I need to do more one on one time (that doesn’t involve grocery shopping) with my girls!
I, too realized I needed to do date nights with my children. She was so excited to have some “alone time” with me, which made the evening that much more special!
I have fond memories of the Nutcracker growing up. Only I never really figured out the story until years later!
P.S. If I were you I’d frame that picture of the two of you!
You guys looked beautiful! What a special night. Sorry about the black eye though…that pretty much sucks. But he looks like a real tough guy!!!
Lilly, my 4 year old is a Nutcracker maniac. It kills me.
Adorable picture of you two by the way.
wow you both look so fancy! it looks like fun.
sorry about bode, that eye looks like it hurts so bad!!!
Oh, that sounds WONDERFUL! I have never been to see the Nutcracker. I’ve seen it televised, but never live.
Haddie looks so precious in her Christmas dress!
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Pick me! Pick me!
I was at the store last year about this time with my then 4 year-old and music was playing over the store speakers. Suddenly, she said, “Mama! This is from The Nutcracker”. Well, imagine my mommy pride over having a child recognize classical music–in PUBLIC, no less.
Until I asked where she had heard it from and she said, “Barbie!” Yes, as in “Barbie and the Nutcracker”. Still makes me chuckle to think about it..
what a great picture of the two of you!
i loved the nutcracker growing up and am sure my daughter would enjoy it as well. thanks for the giveaway.
http://crunchydomesticgoddess.com
We just watched Baryshnikov’s film version last weekend. It’s been years since I saw the ballet.
My cell phone ring tone comes from 1812 Overture; therefore, one would be correct in assuming I like Tchaikovsky’s music.
I think this will be a great family tradition (provided the guys can skip out to the real entertainment).