Nutcracker Ballet: holiday tradition returns to eastern Idaho

A holiday tradition for many people is in eastern Idaho once again this season, “The Nutcracker” ballet and many dancers are preparing for the big event.

“”I grew up with and it feels like it’s a part of my life,” said Cora Bentley, who will dance in her final Nutcracker this season with the Idaho Ballet Theatre.

Bentley is one of a few seniors in high school who will be dancing with the ballet for the holiday favorite one last time. The senior dancers will also get the chance to work with professional dancers from Ballet Idaho “it’s amazing, Andrew is amazing we’re just so lucky to have him teach and have that experience,” said Sydney Blake, another senior in the production.

The dancers spend hours a week preparing for the big production, often times taking up most of their weekend and evening time. The dancers say it’s an excellent way to learn time management skills. This year’s production, under the direction of artistic director Brandy Kelly Jensen will feature new choreography but the dancers promise it won’t lose the magic of the favorite ballet many have grown up with, “it brings back that child-like wonder,” said Mary Mcmullen.

The Idaho Ballet Theatre is one of a couple of productions performing the Nutcracker this holiday season. Here are the list of times and locations of some of the performances.

Idaho Ballet Theatre

December 9th, 10th, and 12th at the Colonial Theatre 7:00 p.m.

Alliance Academy of Dance

December 15th, 16th, and 17th at the Frazier Theatre on the ISU campus 7:00 p.m all nights along with a 2:00p.m matinee on the 17th.

Rexburg Ballet Arts
​December 3, and 5, 2016, 7:00 pm at the Madison Performing Art Center

Idaho Falls School of Ballet

December 8th, excertps of the ballet along with the Idaho Falls Symphony