I am 10 years old. I have been working with Ballet West in "The Nutcracker" since September. I just want to say how great the dancers are and how much I like Ballet West. I think that the directors put a lot of work in making the "Nutcracker" so professional. John Hart, Mr. Christensen and Sondra Sugai have all been very nice to me. And David Van Alstyne has that orchestra sounding great. But especially thanks to Bene Arnold, who has worked with four full casts of children every day for three months. She must sometimes feel like Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz," always surrounded by Munchkins.
When I am backstage during a performance, I see how much the dancers' feet hurt them. They groan and rub them, but they always put that smile back on before they go back on stage. They dance so lightly you would never know they hurt."The Nutcracker" has always been good, but this year seems to be extra great. Maybe it's the new costumes or the new scenery. Or maybe it's that special mix of performers that you sometimes get. Whatever it is, it is wonderful!
Jay Christianson
Salt Lake City