Curated OER
"The Nutcracker" From the Royal Ballet
Students explore "The Nutcracker" ballet. They conduct Internet research, watch "The Nutcracker" performed by the Royal Ballet, tell the story to a younger child, and write a letter to the person who first reviewed "The Nutcracker" in 1892.
Curated OER
Sharp and Smooth Movements: The Nutcracker
Students explore sharp and smooth movements. In two groups, students perform dances using sharp and smooth movements. They are asked to discuss the differences between the movements and how they felt when you watched or performed.
Curated OER
Exploring Force: The Nutcracker
Students explore basic dance element of force, compare and contrast the use of force as it distinguishes the expressive qualities of a given dance, and explore the use of force in several of its many expressions.
Curated OER
The Dancing Flute
Young scholars use a cardboard tubes as props as they create their own dance steps to express the emotions invoked in a portion of The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky.
Other
The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago
This site gives biographical information on the dancers and staff of the company, including its founders: Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino. Details touring and performance schedules as well.
PBS
Classics for Kids: Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
A short biography of Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and more about this famous composer.
A&E Television
History.com: How 25 Christmas Traditions Got Their Start
Christmas in America has been filled with traditions, old and new. Some date back to 16th-century Germany or even ancient Greek times, while others have caught on in modern times. Here's a look at 25 ways Americans have celebrated the...