Central Utah Ballet performed "The Nutcracker" at the Covey Center from Nov. 5-7 to kick off the holiday season.
Directed by Jennie Creer-King and co-directed by Shani Robison, the ballet company been preparing for this performance since early August.
The production usually takes about 120 artists, and at this size, the company needs about three to four months of rehearsals, according to Creer-King.
The children performers rehearsed once a week, but company dancers put in between 15 and 20 hours a week.
"The Chrysalis company dancers, who are paid professionals, commit about 25 hours weekly to reach the level of professionalism that we’re striving for," said Creer-King.
Central Utah Ballet operates as a nonprofit and was founded with the vision of fostering a professional ballet company in Utah Valley, Creer-King said.
Since its beginning, the company has provided opportunities for dancers of all ages in the community to engage with classical ballet at a professional level, she added.
“We’re so happy to offer a professional ballet company in Utah Valley. This is something that means a lot to our dancers and to our community,” Creer-King said.
This year’s Nutcracker performance brought a reimagined twist to the traditional choreography, an annual approach that keeps the production fresh and engaging.
“Every year, we re-choreograph the ballet. This year, we added some surprises to the snow scene,” Creer-King said. "There’s a little bit of mischief and playfulness that made it extra magical. It's so animated and funny, and it really focused on the kids."
Creer-King noted that this year’s production also has more dancers than ever before.
"The costumes, designed by Stephanie Jackson, are just incredible. When I first saw it on stage, it blew my mind," she said.
Additional cast members allowed for a fuller, more dynamic stage, giving the performance a visual impact.
“The quality is absolutely beautiful, and it has an energy that’s different from anything we’ve done,” she said.
The cast included a range of local and visiting talent, with special performances by Chrysalis dancers and Mario Mery, a guest artist from Ballet West, in leading roles.
The youngest dancer on stage was only seven, and Creer-King herself performed the roles of Mother Clara and Ginger.
Participating as both a director and performer was an experience that brought Creer-King closer to her dancers, she said.
“I love being on stage with them and seeing their talent develop every year. The level of professionalism is inspiring,” she said.
Central Utah Ballet is not only a performance company but also a place where local talent can grow and gain exposure, she added.
"We’ve watched these dancers grow each year, and this year’s production has been the most beautiful we have produced yet," Creer-King said.
For more information on upcoming season performances of Central Utah Ballet, visit: https://centralutahballet.com/