After their magical journey through the
snow forest, they come to their destination in the Land of Sweets. Clara can’t
believe her eyes; ladyfinger mountains topped with whipped cream whiter than
snow, sweetly glazed flowers and butter-cream frosting everywhere she looks.
Upon their arrival, they are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy. As they reenact
the night’s events, the Sugar Plum Fairy becomes impressed with Clara’s bravery
and the Nutcracker’s heroism. In their honor, the Sugar Plum Fairy takes them
inside the Candy Castle and throws a lavish festival. They are treated like
royalty and presented with every imaginable sweet. Shortly thereafter, the
dancing begins.
Hot coco dances to the lively music of
trumpets and castanets of the Spanish fandango. The women of coffee dance in
veils and move their bodies like rising steam to an Arabian song, while
Mandarin tea dances to an exotic Asian flute chorus. Matroishkas (Russian dolls)
follow the Mandarin tea leaping and dancing to an invigorating Russian Trepak.
To Clara’s enjoyment there is still more to
be seen. A giant gingerbread house, known as Mother Ginger, dances onto the
Sugar Plum Fairy’s court. She opens her skirt and eight little gingerbread
children come dancing out circling around her. After the Mirliton dance is
over, the children quickly file back into the large gingerbread house and
Mother Ginger leaves the room. Soon after Mother Ginger exits, the dancing
flowers enter to the tune of the harp. Perhaps the most beautiful waltz she has
ever heard, Clara and the Nutcracker Prince watch with amazement. The flowers
dance in beautiful mesmerizing patterns as a single Dewdrop floats above them.
Silence quickly follows the end of their
dance. Clara doesn’t know what to expect next. A handsome Cavalier enters the
scene and escorts the Sugar Plum Fairy to the center of the room. They dance to
the most recognizable song in the entire work. The captivating pair dance
lighter than air. This beautiful dance completes Clara’s most perfect evening.
The festival concludes when everyone comes together on the court and bids Clara
and the Nutcracker Prince farewell. She tells the Nutcracker she wishes the
adventure would never end and he tells her it won’t for those who have an eye
to see it.
Clara wakes up the next morning under the
Christmas tree with her Nutcracker still in her arms.
No comments:
Post a Comment