A New Exhibition Designed by Drexel Students Takes Visitors Behind the Scenes of the Pa. Ballet’s The Nutcracker

The new exhibit celebrates one of Philadelphia’s most beloved holiday traditions, the Pennsylvania Ballet’s The Nutcracker.

A new exhibition designed by Drexel University students takes visitors behind the curtain of one of Philadelphia’s most beloved holiday traditions, the Pennsylvania  Ballet’s annual presentation of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker.

On display from Nov. 14 – Jan. 31 in the Philadelphia History Museum’s Community History Gallery, Behind the Scenes of The Nutcracker tells the story of The Nutcracker’s 45-year history in Philadelphia.

Behind the Scenes of The Nutcracker was designed for the Pennsylvania Ballet by five graphic design students from Drexel’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, under the direction of Jody Graff, director of Drexel’s graphic design program and an assistant professor. Participating students include Kristen Beck ‘13, Niki Benedetto ‘14, Tawona Chimimba ‘14, Soha Qadir ‘14 and Avery Sohn ‘14.

The project began as an independent study during the winter term in early 2013. The class came up with three conceptual designs, which were then presented to the Ballet and Museum. The design that was chosen was then refined and evolved into the current installation. 

A 10-foot Christmas tree decorated with pointe shoes is installed at the entrance to the exhibit

For inspiration, the students focused on the fantasy, wonder and magical quality of The Nutcracker, to create a sense of wonder and excitement. The exhibition allows visitors to see how stage magic is created through learning about the hundreds of people and months of preparation involved in bringing The Nutcracker to life each season.

Included in the exhibition are artifacts from past Pennsylvania Ballet performances, including a tiara worn by the Sugarplum Fairy, a toy soldier’s hat, a mouse head, a Dewdrop costume and an archival program.

At the entrance of the gallery is a 10-foot Christmas tree decorated with pointe shoes. A video, created especially for the exhibition, will feature past performances, as well as interviews with those involved in the creation of the production. Visitors can also learn the five classical ballet positions by practicing their moves in front of a mirror installed in the gallery.

A 10-foot Christmas tree decorated with pointe shoes is installed at the entrance to the exhibit

At the entrance of the gallery is a 10-foot Christmas tree decorated with pointe shoes. A video, created especially for the exhibition, will feature past performances, as well as interviews with those involved in the creation of the production. Visitors can also learn the five classical ballet positions by practicing their moves in front of a mirror installed in the gallery.

An opening reception for Behind the Scenes of The Nutcracker will be held on Thursday, Nov. 14 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Philadelphia History Museum’s Main Gallery. Members of the Pennsylvania Ballet will talk about their experiences onstage and behind the scenes, and life-size characters of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King will be on hand for photos.

The event is free to museum members; non-members are $10 for adults, children under 12 are free. To register, visit www.philadelphiahistory.org or call 215-685-4829.

About the Philadelphia History Museum
Reopened to the public in September 2012 with the completion of a total interior renovation, the Philadelphia History Museum unveiled redesigned galleries to showcase its outstanding collection of historical objects, art and artifacts. 

A 10-foot Christmas tree decorated with pointe shoes is installed at the entrance to the exhibit

About the Philadelphia History Museum
Reopened to the public in September 2012 with the completion of a total interior renovation, the Philadelphia History Museum unveiled redesigned galleries to showcase its outstanding collection of historical objects, art and artifacts. 

About the Pennsylvania Ballet
Founded in 1963 by Balanchine student and protégée Barbara Weiserger, Pennsylvania Ballet is one of the nation’s leading ballet companies. Headquartered in Philadelphia, the Company’s annual local season features six programs of classic favorites and new works, including the Philadelphia holiday tradition, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. For more information, visit www.paballet.org/ or call 215-551-7000.