Four Questions with Michael Scolamiero | Salt Lake Chamber

Tell us about The Nutcracker. How long has Ballet West been performing it and why is it special to this company? 

Ballet West’s The Nutcracker was choreographed by our founder Willam Christensen, and it is the first full-length Nutcracker in the country, debuting Christmas Eve of 1944. We have been performing it at the Capitol Theater since 1963; this year is its 80th anniversary. It has become, for ballet companies, one of the largest single sources of revenue since the ticket sales are tremendous. Not only does Ballet West own the title of America’s first Nutcracker, but it also owns the first Nutcracker website and store. Plus, not many may know that The Nutcracker was designated by the Utah Legislature in May as Utah’s first Living Historic Landmark. 

Read the full article HERE.