From Nutcracker Soldier to Sugar Plum Fairy: Maren Florence
Corps Artist Maren Florence was always dancing around the house when she was younger, which even included her own choreography to the Sugar Plum Fairy solo at just 3 years old. Little did she know she would one day perform that very role on the Ballet West stage.
Growing Up in Salt Lake City
Florence grew up in Salt Lake City and began taking ballet in kindergarten. At age 9, she attended Ballet West’s Summer Intensive and later began training at Ballet West Academy, along with Summer Intensives at the School of American Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Boston Ballet.
Around age 11, Florence knew she wanted to pursue ballet professionally. “I’ve always enjoyed the feeling of working hard and the routine of a technique class,” she said. “The experience of performing after working so hard on the steps and artistry is incredibly rewarding and satisfying.”
Performing in Ballet West's Nutcracker
As a student, Florence performed in Ballet West’s Nutcracker for many years as a Soldier, Page, and Lady-in-Waiting. She never danced the role of Clara, but those experiences shaped her journey.
“I first got to know Maren as a young child in our Academy, and her gifts as a dancer were immediately apparent,” said Adam Sklute, Ballet West Artistic Director. “Maren is determined and committed to her art. I know that there is nothing she can’t do if she puts her mind to it, and I am excited for her future.”
Becoming the Sugar Plum Fairy
She advanced through Ballet West’s Pre-Professional Training Division and Trainee program, then spent two years with Ballet West II before joining the main company in 2023. She covered for the Sugar Plum Fairy role for two years, though ultimately wasn’t needed to perform it. This past Nutcracker season brought a surprise.
“I walked into my fitting and saw the Sugar Plum tutu,” Florence said. “I realized, oh, this might actually happen!”
It did. Florence performed the demanding role with Principal Dancer Hadriel Diniz, making her solo debut, where she was overcome with both relief and joy after finishing.
“The experience of performing after working so hard on the steps and artistry is incredibly rewarding and satisfying. ” —Corps Artist Maren Florence
Growing up in an artistic family with her father as an artist and her mother as a violinist, Florence learned to appreciate beauty in art from a young age. Now she enjoys sharing that gift with audiences.
“It was always really inspiring for me to come to the ballet and appreciate the work and the beauty that was in it. Now, I hope it’s the same for audiences, that they can see and feel all the emotions on stage.”