AMERICA’S FIRST NUTCRACKER CELEBRATES 80 YEARS

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – The iconic masterpiece that has defined generations started when Ballet West’s founder, Willam Christensen, choreographed the first full-length version of The Nutcracker in the United States in 1944. Now 80 years later, Ballet West’s Nutcracker has become officially known as a Living Historic Landmark by the state of Utah in 2024, the first such designation of its kind in the U.S.

Christensen’s Nutcracker has been annually presented in Utah since 1955, and by Ballet West since 1963. Touted by the New York Times principal dance critic as “one of the best productions I have ever seen,” its success sparked a cultural and artistic phenomenon that is largely responsible for the ballet landscape in America as we know it today.

As Ballet West Executive Director Michael Scolamiero explains, “It is the first full-length Nutcracker created here in the United States by our founder, Willam Christensen, for San Francisco Ballet in 1944. We are the only company that presents this version in the United States, and it literally started this Nutcracker mania that every ballet company in America presents during the holidays.”

Christensen created The Nutcracker for the San Franciso Ballet during the height of WWII to provide family entertainment to audiences during a difficult time in the world. Nutcracker proved to be ideal because of the vast number of children used in the production, at a time when so many able-bodied dancers were enlisted in the military, according to Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute.

“What it then became was a wonderful phenomenon around the globe, first in America, and later on the world. When The Nutcracker premiered in Europe in 1892, many critics did not like that so many roles were danced by children, that the ballet was so short (two hours), and that the story was light and gentle. It fell into obscurity for decades,” Sklute said. “But those very things that were not popular from the original production were the very things that made the work a success when Mr. C produced it.”

Ten years after Christensen produced The Nutcracker in America, George Balanchine created his own version, and then company after company adopted the idea because of the opportunity for children to perform alongside professionals and for families to see their kids perform.

“The Nutcracker has become synonymous with the holiday tradition and that’s all because of Christensen, who created this success that has become a major revenue stream for ballet companies around the world,” added Sklute.

To honor the celebration, Ballet West has created a new website to learn about how The Nutcracker first began in the United States. Visitors can also bring a part of history home with Ballet West’s exclusive America’s First Nutcracker merchandise. Visit Americas1stNutcracker.org.

Ballet West’s The Nutcracker has gone through four different versions of sets and costumes since then, with its most recent updates in 2017 to honor the 75th anniversary of the ballet and is generously presented annually thanks to the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation.

While Ballet West has increased the number of productions through the years, it’s becoming harder to access tickets, especially for this year’s 80th anniversary of America’s First Nutcracker, with majority of performances sold-out last year. Patrons are encouraged to get tickets well in advance, which go on sale to the general public Sept. 4. Even better, subscribe to the season, which starts at just $156 for five-performance packages. Visit www.balletwest.org or call (801) 869-6900 for tickets.

Also new this year, patrons can elevate their experience to participate in Nutcracker experiences or upgrade to excusive VIP Nutcracker tickets that include a commemorative, re-useable Nutcracker bag stuffed with a 6-inch Nutcracker mini figure, 32-ounce double-insulated Nutcracker water bottle, Mouse King keychain, and a Nutcracker playbill poster, all for an $85 value. These tickets are in the most sought-after sections* with the best views of the stage. These VIP tickets will be available for purchase, along with all other single tickets at 10am on Tues., Sept. 3 for the general public. Ballet West Members get early access to ticket sales at 10am on Mon., Aug. 26.

*VIP Tickets are for select performances. For more information, visit balletwest.org.

PRESS INQUIRIES: Dana Rimington, Director of Communications and Publications drimington@balletwest.org | 801-869-6918