The Nutcracker pas de deux facts for kids

The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier take their bows at the Royal Ballet, 2009

Daria L and Josh perform Grand Pas de Deux in a version of The Nutcracker, a well-known classical ballet.

The Sugar Plum Fairy and Prince Coqueluche at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg about 1900

The Nutcracker pas de deux is a special dance. It is performed by the Sugar Plum Fairy and Prince Coqueluche. This dance is a famous part of the ballet The Nutcracker.

The ballet first opened on December 18, 1892. It was shown at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. The beautiful music was created by Tchaikovsky. The dance steps were designed by Lev Ivanov. The first Sugar Plum Fairy was Antonietta Dell'Era. Pavel Gerdt was the first Prince. Sometimes, this pas de deux is danced on its own. It is also seen in ballet competitions.

What is a Pas de Deux?

A pas de deux (pronounced "pah duh doo") is a French term. It means "step of two." In ballet, it is a dance for two people. It usually involves a male and a female dancer. They perform together, showing off their skills.

Parts of the Dance

The pas de deux has four main sections. Each section has its own special music and movements.

First Part: Andante Maestoso

The first part is called Andante maestoso. This means "slow and majestic." It is a grand and powerful start. The music for this part was meant to sound huge. It has falling musical scales played by cellos. Another part of the music uses an oboe and a bass clarinet. The music ends with a big, exciting sound from trombones.

The Reika Stage Trick

In the Andante maestoso part, a special stage trick was used. It was called a reika. This was a small platform on wheels. It moved along a track under the stage. In The Nutcracker, the Sugar Plum Fairy would step onto a scarf. Prince Coqueluche would place the scarf on the reika. As the Prince pulled the scarf, the reika moved. This made it look like the Sugar Plum Fairy was floating across the stage. It made her seem very light and magical.

Second Part: Male Solo

The second section is a dance for the male dancer. It is a fast and lively dance. This type of dance is called a Tarantella.

Third Part: Sugar Plum Fairy Solo

The third part is a solo dance for the ballerina. This is the famous "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy." It is known for its delicate and sparkling music.

Fourth Part: Final Dance

The last section is a quick and energetic dance. Both dancers perform together again. It is a fast and exciting finish to the pas de deux.