Say “Nutcracker” or “Westside Studio of the Performing Arts” and the name Sheila Bailey immediately comes to mind. Her story is worth telling, for she began studying dance in St. George with Diane Hafen, and was soon studying at Southern Utah University on scholarship and dancing with the Burch Mann’s American Folk Ballet. Climbing to new heights, Sheila became a soloist with the Arizona Ballet Theatre of Tucson, where her teaching career continued at the Stephanie Stigers School of Ballet. And then she was off to Chicago, where she taught all forms of dance with the University of Illinois. Through the Chicago National Association of Dance Teachers, one may say Sheila has continued her dance education by giving back to the community where her passion for dance was ignited.
Sheila is now the director and producer of the Nutcracker Ballet, which she has contributed to the southern Utah community and has impacted numerous generations of dancers since the year 2000.
As chair of the nonprofit Nutcracker Foundation, she has established scenes after those individuals who have inspired her, beginning with Mr. William F. Christensen. Each year she dedicates Nutcracker productions to him, and also to Maurice Abravanel, referring to them respectively, the Mr. Ballet and Mr. Music of Utah.
As founder, director and an instructor at Westside Studio, Sheila’s grace and charm are felt by all. Her influence has not only been felt here in southern Utah, but throughout the United States.
Sheila has been heard on more than one occasion to say words to the effect, “It doesn’t feel like Christmas without a production of the Nutcracker.” And she’s definitely right!
Each Westside Studio production includes around a hundred students and also a number of professional guests. This year the Sugar Plum Fairy will be Sophie Silnicki, with Shane Ohmer as the Cavalier. Shane Hecksel is the King Rat. Shane grew up dancing at the studio and now comes from Savanah, Georgia to participate in the production and support the performances. The Russian is played by Devin Nielson, who grew up in Washington City, and lives in New York and St. George!
The Nutcracker 2025 productions are scheduled for December 11th, 12th, and 13th at 7:30 p.m. Matinee showings are at 2:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. All performances are held at Desert Hills High School Auditorium, located at 828 Desert Hills Dr., E., St. George. See you there!
About Westside Studio of Performing Arts
The faculty of Westside Studio of Performing Arts is comprised of highly qualified, professional and caring teachers. They draw upon their past dance training and professional experience, as well as continuing to further their own education to increase their knowledge in the professional dance industry. They strive to provide the best possible quality dance training in the St. George area. The facility is located at 170 N. 400 E. in St. George.
Westside Studio offers us three ways to support their Nutcracker production. One way is through advertising in their Nutcracker playbill. Secondly, generous corporate sponsorships and finally through a general personal donation. They are careful, appreciative stewards of your support.