The Nutcracker: Dancers Tell Their Side of the Story
Behind the glittering snowflakes and Sugar Plum Fairies of Ballet West's Nutcracker are dancers whose lives have been shaped by this iconic production, from childhood dreams to career-defining moments.
Artists of Ballet West | Photo by Beau Pearson
For Principal Dancer Adrian Fry, it was the spark that ignited his entire career.
"I saw a redheaded Fritz on stage when I was five years old," said Fry. "I tugged on my parents' arm and said, 'I want to be a dancer.'"
Now Fry, Ballet West's ginger-haired Principal, celebrates an extensive career, including the last 15 years as a dancer with the company.
A Living Piece of History
The production that started The Nutcracker phenomenon across the country has been a Ballet West tradition since 1955, when founder William Christensen brought America's 1st Nutcracker™ to Utah, the same groundbreaking production he created in San Francisco in 1944.
With its iconic choreography, colorful sets, and Tchaikovsky's timeless score, this historic ballet continues to transport audiences into a world of wonder. But at its heart, it's the dancers onstage who bring the magic to life.
This depth of talent showcased in each performance is by design, according to Artistic Director Adam Sklute.
"Each season, The Nutcracker gives our audiences the chance to see so many of our dancers shine in leading roles," said Sklute. "It's an excellent opportunity to experience the extensive breadth of talent within the company, often seeing dancers in roles you might not otherwise catch them in."
From Watching to Performing
This year's production features both company veterans and rising stars stepping into principal parts, offering audiences fresh perspectives on this timeless ballet.
"I think it's so magical to be a part of this Nutcracker because you really feel like you're a part of history and tradition," says Principal Dancer Jenna Rae Herrera, who has performed all the lead roles in Ballet West's The Nutcracker during her 18-year career in the company.
"You watch the ballerinas and hope to aspire to be that someday," Herrera continues. "And so, it's really amazing and a blessing to be in that moment and hopefully getting to create that experience for the children in our cast."
Creating Magic for the Next Generation
Corps Artist Claire Spainhour vividly remembers a performance a Ballet West Academy Trainee that shaped her professional career. Taking Ballet West's abbreviated Nutcracker production to schools across Utah, she experienced firsthand the power of inspiring young audiences.
"I just remember stepping into that school gymnasium in the snow tutu and just seeing the kids' faces light up at seeing a real-life ballerina, the tutu, the pointe shoes, and their faces were so memorable," Spainhour recalls. "I just remember thinking, 'I would love to do this role on the Capitol Theatre stage one day and have thousands of people experience the same joy and amazement.'"
This season, Spainhour's dream becomes reality as she performs several roles in The Nutcracker, including her dream role of Snow Queen.
A Tradition That Unites Generations
With more than 300 local children from the community joining the company dancers on stage, the production continues to unite generations in celebration of the holiday season. It's a living tradition that evolves each year while honoring its rich history, creating new memories for audiences and dancers alike.
"There's something extraordinary about being part of a production that means so much to so many families," Herrera reflects. "Every time that curtain rises, we're not just dancing, we're keeping a dream alive."
Ballet West's The Nutcracker runs Dec. 5 through 27 at the Capitol Theatre.