For many young dancers, performing in the Ballet West Nutcracker is a dream come true. This year, a talented group of students from Davis School District is taking center stage, showcasing not only their dance skills but also their passion and dedication.
Beatrice (Bea) is making her second appearance as a Party Girl. After five years of training at Bountiful School of Ballet, Bea is no stranger to hard work.
“I practiced for months before the audition,” she said. “Performing on stage is the most fun thing I’ve ever done!” Last year, Bea danced as a buffoon, and this year, she’s excited to join the famous party scene.
Another dancer, Brielle, is in her third year with the Nutcracker. Inspired by stories of her mother’s experiences, Brielle was eager to audition at age eight. She practiced for weeks and even took tumbling lessons to perfect her skills.
“I loved being a tumbling buffoon in my first year,” Brielle recalls. Now, she’s thrilled to dance as a Party Girl again alongside friends from the district. Brielle practices five days a week and values the chance to meet professional dancers. “It’s so exciting to perform in a professional setting,” she says.
June, also in her third year, has embraced the Party Girl role. She enjoys the camaraderie with fellow dancers and the chance to perform with professionals. For June, the Nutcracker experience has deepened her love for ballet.
Another dedicated dancer is Andrea "Andi", who is also in her third year as a Party Girl. Training at Bountiful School of Ballet since age three, Andi has built strong relationships with fellow dancers and Ballet West professionals.
“Andi loves ballet and the Nutcracker,” her mother said. “She works hard and enjoys learning from her teachers and professional dancers, especially their main teacher, Courtney, who balances fun with hard work.”
For these young dancers, the Nutcracker is more than just a performance; it’s an opportunity to grow, learn, and be part of a tight-knit community of artists. As students of the Davis School District, they not only excel in the arts but also balance their academic lives with their dance commitments. Whether as a buffoon, baby mouse or Party Girl, these local dancers bring unique magic to the stage.
Their hard work and the friendships they form make this tradition even more special. For Beatrice, Brielle, June, Andi, and many others, the Nutcracker is an unforgettable experience that will stay with them for years to come.
Catch these talented dancers from Davis School District as they perform in Ballet West’s Nutcracker, bringing a new generation of passion and energy to this timeless tradition.
