“The Nutcracker” ballet, as performed by Westside Studio—one of the longest-running dance
studios in the St. George area—is as emblematic a part of the local holiday tradition as silver
bells and twinkling lights. And this year’s 30 th anniversary performance promises to return with
the magic that is at the heart of the season.
“My whole vision when I’m producing and directing ‘The Nutcracker’ is it’s just like opening up
a live storybook, like a storybook come to life,” says Sheila Bailey, founder and director of
Westside Studio.
Many different versions of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s 1892 ballet have been staged throughout
the years. The version that Sheila wanted to preserve and bring to the community was staged
by Willam Christensen, founder of Ballet West.
“What I liked about Willam is he had that childlike view,” Sheila says. “I just love tradition.”
But each year’s performers bring their own unique talents to each season’s shows as well.
“The differences in casting each year always make every performance its own and one for everyone
to enjoy year after year as a holiday tradition,” Wyone Orchard, assistant office manager says.
And this year is especially poignant for many dancers at the studio.
“We have a lot of dancers who are seniors this year,” Wyone says. “This is their last Nutcracker. They have the energy and
desire to enjoy every moment, sharing their amazing talents developed from all their hard
work. Their dancing should display a lot of heart and love.”
The development of the students—both in dance and in life—is a key element of Sheila’s vision for the studio.
“I want our kids to know that they can accomplish what they want,” she says.
“And we try to elevate the show to be as professional as we can.” And that professionalism
shows in the quality of the costumes, sets and props. Sheila also says she hires two professional
dancers each year to take on the more technically difficult roles.This year’s professional guest artists are Sophie Silnicki and Jonatan Lujan from New York City. Sophie, a Radio City Rockette, is no stranger to “The Nutcracker.” She has performed the ballet with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School and the San Franscisco Ballet Company.
Jonatan is from Argentina and began his training at age 10. Since 2018, he has been a freelance
dancer, performing with some of the most prestigious dance companies in the United States.
Sheila says that at the heart of it, the ballet will always be about the children.
“You just cannot replace the magic of a child and when you see them executing on that level, I think that’s what
takes people by surprise.”
Westside Studio’s “The Nutcracker” will be held at the Desert Hills High School theater, 828 E.
Desert Hills Dr., St George, on December 19 at 7:30 p.m., December 20 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30
p.m., and December 21 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at westsidestudio.org/ticketing.
Kami Egan Savage is an award-winning writer and former editor of the local University Journal newspaper, and has earned degrees in English and psychology. She live in Washington City with her husband and three children.