Ok, I know it's no longer Silly Season, but I was inspired by Mel's most recent post in the Nutcracker thread. Remembering that the original Chinese Tea dance had a Phoo dog that said "Ty-phoo!" for Ty-phoo tea, what modern commercial brands could be featured in the Act II divertissements? You may change the countries that the various goodies are from--I'm pretty sure Folger's doesn't come from Arabia, especially considering that there isn't really a country called Arabia anymore, although there is a Republic of Tea.

Great idea, Hans. The sponsorship opportunities are so numerous that I'm amazed ballet companies haven't thought of it and turned it into another "holiday tradition."

The Grandfather Clock (with owl), sponsored by Howard Miller.
The battle with the mice as a lead-in to a commercial for Orkin or some other
pest-control company.
The dolls received by the girls at the party: American Girl Dolls.
The hobby horse. "Wouldn't you rather have a Jaguar?7"
The nutcracker: Crate and Barrel's "Black Nutcracker," in stainless steel and black santopene, a simpler and more sanitary solution for only $9.95 (plus delivery).
Hot Chocolate: Hershey
Coffee: Starbucks
Russians: Aeroflot
Mother Ginger and her voluminous skirts: L. L. Bean tents
Waltz of the Flowers: 1-800-flowers.com
Dew Drop and Sugar Plum: Harry and David gift baskets.
The return home: Your Local Century21 Agent.

Waltz of 1-800-FLOWERS.com.

I this topic!

Disclaimer: Don't try this at home, choreographers/directors! :deal:

Well, as to The Nutcracker's status as the companies' dough maker, this could really open a whole world of possibilities!

Great topic, Hans, and I don't see how anyone could top bart's list (but I hope some try!).

Shepherdesses: The New Zealand Lamb Industry

In Kent's Stowell's version:

Peacock (Arabian): Maybelline
Tiger: International District Chinese New Year
Commedia (Shepherdess): Turin Olympics
Masque: Botox

Wow Bart, you even outdid me extending it to Act I, and your ideas work very well! BalletNut, the Waltz of 1-800-Flowers is good, too. I'll bet the army would sponsor the Act I soldier doll dance.