New York City Ballet Presents, "The Nutcracker"

Dance enthusiasts Arden Greenspan-Goldberg, Nisha, and Priya outside of the Koch Theatre.

Behind the glittering facade of flouncy tutus, dreamy scenery, and pink pointe shoes that audience members see at New York City Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker,” lies a hectic, yet enthralling world usually seen only by dancers, staff, and crew members. But on December 5th, 2016 a group of ballet enthusiasts were invited to see the world beyond the curtain, gaining a glimpse into the backstage areas, wings, and costume shops that contribute to the magic that touches thousands of audience members each year. Starting with a rare view of the David H. Koch Theatre from the stage, those participating in the tour were led through the maze of halls and rooms that make up New York City Ballet’s home for its fall, winter and spring seasons. From demonstrations of the way the one-dimensional Christmas tree is made to look real and to grow, to an exclusive view of the inside of Mother Ginger’s skirt, lined with red lipstick marks from the kisses of the children who emerge from within, the tour gave these already enthusiastic dance-lovers and even deeper connection to the company. Seeing the mechanisms behind the clock in the parlor and the massive heads of the mouse costumes up close was both endearing and intriguing, but the icing on top of this tour came during an unexpected walk down a narrow backstage corridor. While the tour group was admiring the names of famed NYCB dancers posted on dressing room entrances, the door to the room labelled “Tiler Peck” popped open, revealing the renowned ballerina herself, who happily waved to the touring group and took pictures with those who asked. This experience alone was enough to leave tour participants wide-eyed and disbelieving, but combined with the entire tour it made for a magical afternoon, and memorable performance later that evening.