The Nutcracker Ballet would not alone claim its popularity and influence generations after, if not for the beautiful and original composition by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.  First commissioned to compose an adaptation for "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by E. T. A. Hoffmann in 1891, "The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a" was put together by Tchaikovsky for concert performance. 

The Nutcracker Suite consists of 8 numbers, of which the minature Overture, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from Actii, Grand pas de deux and Waltz of the Flowers are the more popular pieces. 

 Many dancers have graced the stage, dancing to these wonderful Nutcracker ballet tunes and brought such a magical experience for the audience.  Even as we listen to the Nutcracker Suite alone, it never fails to bring up lovely depiction or hint of what Clara's adventures might be.  A mental visual, inspired by the lively musical composition of the Nutcracker suite by Tchaikovsky, is a moment of adrenaline escape into the world of lighthearted fantasy if you ask me.