2010
12.30
With the blessing of Mr. C and our apologies to P. Tchaikovsky, Ballet West will open our funniest and most elaborate “Nutty Nutcracker” ever!
Arolyn Williams as Elsa Lanchester, the Bride of Frankenstein
Christiana Bennett as Sugar Plums Galore and Christopher Ruud as James Bond
Kuei-Hsien Chu as Bruce Lee with Jenna Herrera, Kathryn Hein and Jamie Lynn Schultz
Haley Henderson Smith and Easton Smith as Fred and Ginger
Adrian Fry, Christopher Sellars and Tyler Jay Gum as the Marx Brothers
-Mark
2010
12.28
Sunday, December 26th was the sixth and final Sugar Plum Party for the Nutcracker 2010 season. The Sugar Plum Parties are when patrons are invited on stage after matinee performances to enjoy light refreshments, receive a Nutcracker ornament, watch the magic tricks of Christopher Fair and have their photo taken with the Sugar Plum Princess and her friends. These parties serve as a fundraiser for the company and would not be a success without the wonderful volunteer party coordinators Julie and Aharon Shulimson. Julie and Aharon have been coordinating these parties for many years now and the ballet is appreciative of their time and efforts. Over 1,200 patrons included the Sugar Plum parties as part of their Nutcracker experience this season. Thank you Julie and Aharon for making their experience a meaningful one.
Bear - Ryan Sargent, Sugar Plum Fairy - Katherine Lawrence, Cavaliere - Michael Bearden, Julie Shulimson, Aharon Shulimson, Nutcracker Prince - Christopher Sellars, Clara - Katie Buckmiller, Mouse Prince - Scotlun S. Vann
- Ashlee K. Christofferson – Development Manager, Special Events
2010
12.27
Peter Christie performed his final Drosselmeyer on Christmas Eve.
Peter’s career with Ballet West spans more than 20 years. He joined the artistic staff in 1998 after a 16-year career as a corps member and, later, a soloist with the company. During his ballet career, Peter was especially noted for his character roles. He currently serves as Director of Educational Programs and Ballet West Academy.
-Mark
2010
12.26
The Ballet West Development Department once again volunteered at The Road Home’s Holiday Radio Broadcast. The radio broadcast is the largest fundraiser for The Road Home, Salt Lake’s local homeless shelter. Select radio stations set up at the shelter and encourage their listeners to donate by calling in or dropping off in kind items. The Development ladies bundled up and were stationed curbside at the shelter to accept donations on behalf of The Road Home. This volunteer opportunity has become a tradition for these ladies and is a meaningful experience.
Photo left to right
Kristina Keene, Denise Begue, Alison Hayes, Santa Claus, Ashlee Christofferson, Tennille Palmer
Ashlee Christofferson
Development Manager, Special Events
2010
12.24
From All of Us at Ballet West, Happy Holidays!
2010
12.18
Greg Hardy, Policy, Government & Public Affairs Manager for Chevron, Kathy Bray, President & CEO of Volunteers of America, Utah, Zach Bale, Vice President of External Relations of Volunteers of America, Utah, Jennifer Robinson, Artist with Ballet West
On Thursday, December 16, 2010, Ballet West received a gift from Chevron during a pre-curtain stage address at the Capitol Theatre. Both Ballet West and Volunteers of America, Utah, were recognized before Thursday night’s performance for the work that each organization does in our community. Jennifer Robinson represented Ballet West onstage and was joined by Greg Hardy from Chevron, and Kathy Bray and Zach Bale from Volunteers of America. The Artists of Ballet West have been collecting coats, blankets, hats and gloves during performances of The Nutcracker, for Volunteers of America, Utah’s Homeless Youth Resource Center.
Jacqueline Straughan and Annie Breneman at the donation table in the outer lobby of the Capitol Theatre
Jennifer Robinson and Kira Smith at the donation table in the lobby of the Capitol Theatre
For Denise Begue – Director of Development
-Mark
2010
12.16
Some Nutcracker photos by Beau Pearson
Artists of Ballet West in Waltz of the Flowers
Sayaka Ohtaki, Christopher Sellars and Whitney Huell in Waltz of the Flowers
Arolyn Williams, Adrian Fry and Katie Chritchlow in Spanish
-Mark
