Young dancer lives out childhood dream in Ballet West’s 'Nutcracker'
Dec 14, 2025
It’s finally time for audiences to experience Ballet West’s production of The Nutcracker.
And while a packed house, an orchestra and stage lights are exciting, one dancer’s excitement stems from stepping into a role she’s always wanted.
“The Nutcracker really helped me find most of my love for dance,” said 13-year-old Lauren Hildebrand. "It's just been the best experience of my life.”
“I'm so grateful that I have the opportunity to be someone on the stage that other little kids are seeing and watching for the first time in the Nutcracker and seeing it and saying, 'Oh, I want to be that,' because that was me when I was little,” she said.