A Nutcracker Journey Caught on Film

November 11, 2014

For ballet schools nationwide, preparing for their Nutcracker production is one of the most exhilarating—and stressful—times of year. Teachers, parents and dancers spend countless hours feverishly rehearsing, sewing, fund-raising and organizing for the big event. This month, a new movie showcases one school’s tireless journey toward opening night. Getting to the Nutcracker, an award-winning film directed by Serene Meshel-Dillman (who studied at the School of American Ballet), follows the Marat Daukayev School of Ballet in Los Angeles through auditions, casting announcements, rehearsals and final performances. The movie profiles seven young dancers along the way, revealing intimate details of their training, relationships and personal sacrifices.

Getting to the Nutcracker
is now showing in New York City, premieres in Los Angeles tomorrow and will soon be released in select theaters in California, Toronto, Texas, New Jersey, Virginia, Hawaii and Washington, DC. But don’t worry if you don’t live nearby—it is now available for pre-order on iTunes and gettingtothenutcracker.com, and VOD on December 2. For more information and movie listings, click here.