The theatre is my sanctuary: It is a gilded haven where fairytales come alive, or history is resurrected. The Nutcracker Ballet does both, a fantastical performance embedded in Christmas tradition, so much so that I feel that Christmas hasn’t been truly celebrated until my family goes to see the show.

The Nutcracker Ballet has transcended time periods and continents, as it was inspired by a novel by 19th French novelist Alexandre Dumas–which was adapted from the original Nutcracker story by Prussian romantic author, E.T.A. Hoffman. Since then, the ballet has made its way from Russia in the 1800s to all parts of the modern world, including the San Francisco War Memorial Performing Arts center, where my family and I traditionally behold the show. Let me just take a second to nerd out–this one ballet has been a favorite all over the world, and still resonates with audiences in the 21st century as a quintessential Christmas tradition… What a gift to participate and celebrate history while being swept up by breathtaking dancing, detailed costumes and scenery that teleport you to a world so distant from your own!

In the spirit of the formal Christmas party scene at the beginning of the ballet, I decided to dress like a guest–because isn’t theatre an opportunity for transference? This blue velvet number does just the trick, complete with black lace trimmings that let a bit of leg peak through. For a further ballerina princess feel, the dress has puffy sleeves and a regal deep v-neckline.

And what is a party look without accessories? Like many of my ensembles, I always wear something sentimental: airgo my grandmother’s vintage velvet clutch with gold beading, her black and white stoned watch and my mother’s leaf-like rhinestone earrings. There’s something about inheriting clothing and jewelry from the generations before that make you feel connected to more than one place at one time. I’ve always been quite onistic (“the frustration of being stuck in just one body at any time, unable to experience more than one thing or be in more than one place”) so carrying vintage pieces remedy it a little.

For that final touch of magic, I am wearing the 21st century equivalent to a glass slipper: naked shoes, or “glass slipper heels” from Jeffrey Campbell! Needless to say, this was overall an enchanting affair.

What is your favorite Christmas Tradition?

Keeping it Krischic,

Kristin Vartan

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