Dec 15, 2016 The Nutcracker: 60 Years of Utah Tradition

Over the past 60 years Willam Christensen’s “The Nutcracker” has established itself as one of the essential holiday traditions for many Utah families.

Christensen, “Mr. C,” was the first to stage a complete American production of “The Nutcracker.” Throughout the years, “The Nutcracker” has undergone many changes in costume, slight choreographic changes, and sets. Through these changes the productions has provided young Utah dancers the chance to perform on the big stage to the strains of Tchaikovsky.

Next year, will bring a new set of changes for the show; new costumes, new sets, and a new Nutcracker doll. The changes will allow the show to grow while still keeping the traditions alive.

Written by Sara Davis

Please visit the Special Collections Reading Room on Level 4 of the J. Marriott Library, Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Young dancers at the auditions for the Nutcracker cast

“Mr. C” dances in rehearsal with cast

“Mr. C” demonstrating to young dancers

“Mr. C” watches the Soldiers rehearse

Russian Dance

Arabian Dance

Waltz of the Flowers

Snowflakes

Clara and the Nutcracker meet the Sugar Plum Fairy

Russian Dance

Chinese Dance

Nutcracker Ensemble

Mirlitons (Dance of the Reed Flutes)

Waltz of the Flowers

Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier pas de deux

Spanish Dance

Mirlitons (Dance of the Reed Flutes)

Waltz of the Snowflakes

Stahlbaum Family Party

Clara with her Nutcracker