Watch Getting to the Nutcracker

Getting to the Nutcracker is a documentary film released in 2014 that provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to produce and perform in the holiday classic ballet, The Nutcracker. The film follows the journey of a group of young ballet dancers as they audition, rehearse, and eventually perform in a production of The Nutcracker with the Marat Daukayev School of Ballet in Los Angeles.

The film begins with auditions for the ballet, where we are introduced to several aspiring young dancers and their families. We then see the dancers begin their grueling rehearsals in preparation for the big performance. Director Serene Meshel-Dillman gives us a glimpse into the intense training and discipline required of young ballet dancers, which involves hours of practice every day and strict adherence to a healthy diet and lifestyle.

One of the key focuses of the film is the journey of three young dancers, ages 12 to 14, who are all auditioning for the coveted role of Clara, the lead female character in The Nutcracker. The film follows them as they attend rehearsals, learn choreography, and compete against each other for the role. It's clear that the stakes are high - not only is there the pressure of performing well, but also the constantly looming possibility of injury that could ruin months of work and preparation.

In addition to following the dancers, the film also takes a look at the production aspects of The Nutcracker, including the set and costume design, as well as the work of the orchestra and conductor. One of the standout scenes in the film is a rehearsal session with the orchestra, where we see how closely the music and choreography are intertwined in ballet.

As the performance date approaches, we see the dancers push themselves to their limits, both physically and emotionally. We get a sense of the camaraderie that develops among the dancers, as they support each other through the grueling rehearsals and performances. The film culminates in the final performance of The Nutcracker, and we experience the beauty and magic of this timeless ballet firsthand.

Throughout the film, we are treated to breathtaking footage of the dancers in rehearsal and performance. The camera work is top-notch, capturing the grace and athleticism of the dancers in stunning detail. The music, too, is a highlight of the film, featuring Tchaikovsky's iconic score for The Nutcracker.

Ultimately, Getting to the Nutcracker is a captivating and inspiring documentary that takes viewers on a journey into the world of ballet. Through the eyes of young dancers, we see the dedication and hard work required to excel in this demanding art form. We witness the beauty and power of ballet as a means of self-expression and storytelling. And we leave the film with a newfound appreciation for the talent and athleticism of these incredible young performers.

Overall, Getting to the Nutcracker is a film that is sure to delight ballet enthusiasts and newcomers alike. It's an engaging and heartfelt documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the world of ballet from the perspective of those who live and breathe it every day.

Getting to the Nutcracker is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 53.