The Nutcracker ballet is considered a phenomenon in North America despite being an adaptation of a German story that was not a holiday staple in its country of origin.

“it's a little odd when you think about it that the Nutcracker Ballet has become such a phenomenon particularly in North America, but it's also spread to other places too considering that it is a Russian adaptation of a German story that was never really a Christmas staple in its home country.”

The Nutcracker has evolved into a vital source of ticket revenue and a tradition for many ballet companies.

“And it's by far the biggest show and the biggest source of ticket revenue for a lot of ballet companies.”