Mark Morris’ Hard Nut is not devoid of the traditional understanding of Balanchine’s Nutcracker ballet. Both ballets explore the search and difficulty of finding love. Morris’ ballet differs in that he approaches this theme from a more modern standpoint, particularly that of the 1980’s. Joan Acocella, reviewing this difference between the two ballets, states Morris is, “A young artist taking an old, idealistic form, classical ballet, and de-idealizing it with a flood of modern junk.” Morris does de-idealize the classical form of ballet by breaking free from ballet’s perfection and strict standards. The women in his company are not thin, tall and effortless and his men play women and wear point shoes. Despite Morris’ de-idealization of the conventions of formal ballet, he does not undermine the themes presented by the Nutcracker. Through the character of Mrs. Stahlbaum’s dance, adherence to music and interaction with her husband and children, Morris rather presents Balanchine’s original themes with a humanistic affirmation of love and its ability to defy and transcend stereotypical gender roles.  

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