'The Nutcracker' continues its tradition of change

When Ballet West artistic director Adam Sklute was a child, he loved watching the battle scene when he went to see Lew Christensen 's "The Nutcracker" at the San Francisco Ballet.

"That was always something I looked forward to," Sklute told the Deseret News. "As a little boy I always loved seeing the giant rats battle the toy soldiers. That was always fun for me, but I was also so taken by the music while the house is transforming and the tree is growing. It was something that would get me excited night after night."

The San Francisco Ballet version was the direct descendent of Ballet West's version, which was choreographed by Willam F. Christensen, Lew's older brother.

The late Willam F. Christensen is known as "Mr. C" throughout the world of dance.

"I feel very close to the Christensen tradition of 'The Nutcracker,' " Sklute said. "I love it dearly."

Throughout the years, "The Nutcracker," like all ballets, has experienced changes in the choreography and production,

This year, carolers are being added in the opening scene, as well as a new chestnut cart. And Clara will dance en pointe.

"(Changes are a) part of the tradition of 'The Nutcracker' as it goes on and on and on," Sklute said. "We are very fortunate to have people like (Ballet West historian) Bruce Caldwell and (former ballet mistress) Bene Arnold, who worked so closely with Mr. C for so many years and have such a long history themselves with his version of 'The Nutcracker.'

"So they really know what his was all about. And they really know how to work with it so that we can update it or modify it while staying absolutely true to his vision."

Plus, he said, they did it for so many years themselves and know versions that Mr. C. did years ago that haven't been seen for many years. "It's still accurately Willam Christensen choreography."

Sklute said the Salt Lakers know and love Mr. C's version. "For me it is important to continue to give them the ballet that they love so much. This is an important part of our history, our heritage, our legacy. But more than anything else, it's a really good version of the ballet. It's one of the best in the world. So why shouldn't we celebrate and preserve that heritage?"

One highlight of "The Nutcracker" is the Snow pas de deux at the end of the first act.

This segment sets the tone for the variations of the second act and has to be done right, said soloist Jason Linsley, who has danced Snow for two years.

On top of the dancing with his partner, Linsley said there are other things that he needs to be aware of in order to make the presentation successful and safe.

"The first thing I learned when I got on stage was where to stand," he said.

The reason: the snow falling onto the stage is actually shaved plastic.