Balanchine’s ballet magic begins at Bellevue

It’s been nearly 125 years since the Nutcracker Ballet had its inaugural stage performance in Moscow in 1892. Though widely acclaimed throughout Europe, it then took another 50 years before the Christmas-themed story of a young girl’s imaginative fantasies attracted attention in the United States. However it was the establishment of the Pennsylvania Ballet company during the 1960s that truly “brought good things to life” particularly when it came to finding ways to celebrate during the holiday season.

For the past several years the Bellevue Hotel has been the site for a series of pre-performance happenings for kids, parents and grandparents to take advantage of before the ballet portion begins. This year was no exception. Arts and craft stations kept the youngsters occupied and attention focused before the food stations inside the ballroom were opened for brunch.

The Sugarplum Fairy (appearing to be 10 feet tall), Mouse King and an organ-grinder with his monkey, Oscar, (a new one this year) gave children plenty of things with which to occupy themselves before it was time to leave for the theatre.

Looking for an in-thecity way to make the holidays merry? There are still several days and dates that the Nutcracker has tickets for. To take advantage of this special opportunity with family and friends, before the show closes on Dec. 31, check out the website at www.paballet.org.

Sara Glaser of Wynnewood and daughter, Gabrielle, enjoy the Bellevue’s brunch with Berwyn residents Mia and Mimi Greenly.

Carolyn Harkins of St. Davids and daughter, Evie, attend the pre-performance party with Noelle Heckscher of Villanova and her daughter, Stephanie.

Rosemont moms Alison Hastings, Liz Springer, Hattie Laveran and Jennifer Jarden herd their offspring into the Bellevue ballroom including Oona and Wynn Hastings, Clara Laveran, Ella Springer and sibling Thomas, and Angelina Jarden.

Event co-chairwoman Susanne Lent of Chestnut Hill (second from left) thanks her posse of friends including Laura Sibson, Michelle Sage, Amy Gadsden and Amy Raphael for supporting the annual pre-ballet party.

William, Marje and Emma Armstrong of Villanova share a table with fellow residents Maia and Tamara Kammann and Malvernites Irene and Drew Nudy.

Ballerina Leah Farro and the company’s executive director David Gray head off to the Academy of Music for the afternoon performance of the Nutcracker Suite.

The Mouse King spars with willing participants.

Amy Walsh of Bryn Mawr and her mom, Allison, walk through the arts and crafts area.

Kim Coulson and daughter, Hope Macaione, await the matinee performance.