As three pages of local Nutcracker-related events attests, it's evident that the holiday ballet is in no danger of losing its December cultural dominance. MomSpeaker Marissa Kiepert Truong looks at the seasonal staple through the eyes of her young daughter, introduced to the story through a new DVD pegged specifically toward a kid corps de ballet.
If you ask my daughter what she wants to be when she grows up, she'll emphatically say a dancer and a singer. She likes to perform, sing show tunes and dance to "Let it Go." I'm happy to add to this list that she is mesmerized by the Nutcracker, thanks to Prima Princessa's adorable (not to mention educational) Nutcracker DVD.
What I loved about Prima Princessa's version of the Nutcracker is that it combines live performance with interactive ballet instruction. Designed especially for a 3- to 6-year-old budding ballerina, the 60-minute DVD lets children enjoy the Nutcracker as performed by England's Birmingham Royal Ballet, while a cartoon "Prima Princessa" narrates. Following clips from the live performance, the DVD invites children to dance along by demonstrating several ballet steps.
Other great things about this DVD:
- It gets kids moving! Physical activity is very important for learning.
- Children learn by doing. Rather than just watching a dancer twirl, they can get up and twirl along.
- It's educational — children learn real steps and real ballet terminology.
- It explains the plot of the Nutcracker in a kid-friendly way, with a narrator that appeals to young children.
- The technical dance moves are repeated in the DVD, allowing children the opportunity to practice and master these steps.
- It's fun! Children will enjoy role-playing, dressing up like a ballerina and pretending to be a star.
My daughter absolutely LOVED this DVD and we have watched it numerous times since receiving it. It's honestly a lovely way to spend an afternoon! Here's the proof:
Marissa Kiepert Truong, PhD, is a Chester County, PA mom and early education consultant. This post is adapted from her blog, Land of Once Upon a Time.
