America's First Nutcracker. Questo articolo non è disponibile.America's First Nutcracker

In a state known for its pioneers, Ballet West's founder, Utah native Willam Christensen was himself a trailblazer. Following a childhood spent in Brigham City, Christensen went on to found the first ballet company in the United States, the San Francisco Ballet, where he staged the first full-length version of Swan Lake, Coppelia, and The Nutcracker in America. Upon returning to Utah, he began the first accredited ballet program at the University of Utah, and later, as the culmination of his life-s work, founded Ballet West in 1963. Christensen's contributions to dance were so expansive that upon his death in 2001 at the age of 99, he was hailed by The San Francisco Chronicle as "the grandfather of American ballet." Cane in hand, Christensen, or Mr. C, as he was fondly known, cultivated a company in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains to cradle both his legacy and his Nutcracker. Now, 75 years after that production's inaugural staging, Ballet West celebrates his beautiful holiday ballet that has since inspired and delighted millions.