Learn about the Nutcracker Lady

Her name is Arlene Wagner, and for many years she was known as "Miss Arlene", a nationally recognized dance teacher who instilled the love of dance in thousands of students. It was while teaching the Nutcracker Ballet that she, like Clara, became fascinated with these toothy characters. Then at a large antique show she and her husband discovered many other interesting kinds of nutcrackers and soon they were avid collectors. When it was time to put away the dance shoes, the Wagner's moved to Leavenworth and opened a shop specializing in German nutcrackers. Because of her extensive knowledge one writer called Arlene "The Nutcracker Lady" and so she has been ever since.

In 1995 the Wagner's donated their collection to the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, so that it would be enjoyed by many people for generations to come. You will find the The Nutcracker Lady there, ready to introduce you to the fascinating world of nutcrackers.

  
Yes, even high school students love learning about nutcrackers from the Nutcracker Lady!

Here is a poem written by the Nutcracker Lady

YES, KIDS LOVE NUTCRACKERS
It may be a soldier, it may be a king but kids love nutcrackers
It may be a pilot, it may be a queen but kids love nutcrackers
It may be a shepherd, a clown or a cook
It may be a painter, or mean Captain Hook
It may be a rabbit, a mouse or a bear, kids just love nutcrackers
It may be a teacher, it may be Saint Nick, but kids love nutcrackers
It may be a cowboy, it may be a dwarf, but kids love nutcrackers
It may be from Scotland or Russia or France
It may be the Spaniard who just loves to dance
It may be the Wizard, the Tinman or Lion, kids just love nutcrackers

Author: Arlene Wagner, The Nutcracker Lady © 2017

   

Photo Left:  The Nutcracker Lady loves to give clues when you're doing a nutcracker hunt at the museum!

Photo Right: This is George, the Nutcracker Lady's husband who helped start this fun and wonderful museum!