Ballet West founder Willam Christensen (“Mr. C”) staged the very first full-length production of the now-beloved The Nutcracker on Christmas Eve in 1944, at the San Francisco Ballet. Ballet West now carries on Mr. C’s legacy with its annual presentation of his Nutcracker, now the longest-running production of the ballet in the U.S.
Fondly remembered as the “grandfather of American ballet,” Mr. C (1902-2001) was born and raised in Brigham City, Utah. A true pioneer in dance, he established the San Francisco Ballet, the oldest professional ballet company in the U.S., in 1938. He then returned to Salt Lake City, Utah, founding both the ballet department at the University of Utah in 1951, the first of its kind, and Ballet West in 1963. His historical production of The Nutcracker sparked a long-lasting cultural phenomenon that continues today, transcending generations to become a holiday tradition for millions of Americans each year.
“[A] beautifully danced and gorgeously designed production… testaments to the brilliance of Christensen’s initial idea.”
- Sarah Kaufman, Washington Post (2018)
Make your gift in support of the 75th Anniversary of Mr. C’s The Nutcracker today!
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Mr. C’s The Nutcracker, Ballet West, in collaboration with BYUtv, will produce a documentary program chronicling the history of the first Nutcracker in America. The program will highlight the role of Mr. C in this incredible story, rooted in Utah. Ballet West will also work with the University of Utah to research and write an article on the economic impact The Nutcracker has had on communities throughout the United States. The 75th Anniversary celebration will culminate with performances of Mr. C’s The Nutcracker in Ballet West’s 2019-2020 season, including several special opportunities for 75th Anniversary campaign donors.
