For Nutcracker 09 Ballet West continued its tradition of throwing “Sugar Plum Parties” after the matinees.  The parties are led by Julie Adams Terry Shulimson and from helpers to refreshments,  everything is donated to Ballet West. Children and their parents who attend can come on to the very stage where the dancing has taken place.  They first receive a souvenir Nutcracker for their very own and they can have cookies, candy canes and punch from a table covered with giant Nutcrackers.  Guests can have their picture taken with the Sugar Plum Fairy, her Cavaliere, the Nutcracker Prince and other characters from the Nutcracker.  They can see how dry ice works.  They can see up close a ballerina’s used pointe shoes.  There is a magic act performed by former Ballet West dancer Christopher Phair and Prop Master Cory Thorell is happy to show them the new chestnut cart, the Grandfather Clock (from the original production) and they can even take a peek underneath Mother Buffoon’s dress!  If you missed the Sugar Plum Parties this year fear not, they will take place again next year.

Bottom Row -The Bear (Henry Philofsky) with Julie Adams Terry Shullimson, Kristen Paige Terry, the Mouse Prince (Ryan Hatch). Upper row - Victoria Lock - The Sugar Plum Fairy, Christopher Sellars - her Cavaliere, Amanda Scott Terry, Austin Terry, Clara (Jorji Diaz) and Aidan DeYoung - The Nutcracker Prince.

-Mark