'Nutty Nutcracker' is an artistic, sports-filled riot

With a closer look, some of them could even be seen pulling faces with buggy eyes and stuck-out tongues. The skill-level in the dancing was still entirely impressive, especially among the Grand Pas couples. It was almost miraculous that all of the company members were able to maintain such artistic integrity while producing so many laughs.

The romp-and-riot nature of sports collided with the world of fine art, culminating in a performance that was a perfect mixture for a Utah audience’s interests. We love our art. We do love our sports, too. And it was evident that most anyone— sports fans and arts enthusiasts alike — would love this performance.

It will be thrilling to see what kind of shenanigans Ballet West will come up with next year.

The “Nutty” version has become part of the annual run of “The Nutcracker” and will have a new theme next year. For more information, visit www.balletwest.org.

Email: hbowler@desnews.com