An annual tradition: Idaho Ballet Theater to perform ‘The Nutcracker’ for 23rd year
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IDAHO FALLS — An annual tradition for over 20 years returns to the stage in December with the Idaho Ballet Theater’s performance of “The Nutcracker.”
For the past 23 years, Idaho Ballet Theater has been performing the holiday classic by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This year’s performance will feature 140 students from the ballet school, including children ages 3 to 17.
The performance will take place 7 p.m. on Dec. 10, 11 and 12 at the Colonial Theater. There will also be a matinee performance at 2 p.m. Dec. 12.
Artistic Director Jennifer Teuscher joined the Idaho Ballet Theater three years ago. She told EastIdahoNews.com that the founder, Brandy Jensen, started an amazing tradition here in Idaho Falls, and they’re honored to continue it. Jensen passed away in December 2023 from a stroke.
“We hope we do it justice, and we hope that we continue to grow and help more people enjoy ballet,” Teuscher said.
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Students at the ballet school begin rehearsing “The Nutcracker” at the end of September. Teuscher said it’s an extensive learning process, and she’s proud of the dancers’ hard work.
Joni McDonald, one of three artistic directors for the ballet school, said that she enjoys seeing the progress each student makes as they learn classical ballet and grow as dancers.
Although other groups may also perform The Nutcracker, Teuscher said that for the past 23 years, the ballet school has refined its version of this classic. Whether it’s the sets or the costumes, it has become a professional-level production.
For McDonald, it is also a testament to the ongoing support from the community that has chosen the Idaho Ballet Theater for the past 20 years.
“There’s something magical and special about supporting your local community and seeing the talent and the art that is created right in your backyard,” McDonald said.
A week before the performance, the Idaho Ballet Theater will host a Nutcracker Tea Party. Tickets cost $25, and the event will start at 2 p.m. at the Downtown Event Center.
Teuscher said the tea party will feature some of the ballet’s main characters performing a live retelling of the Nutcracker story, and it’s a fun way for children to understand the ballet better beforehand. The party will also have crafts, tea and snacks for attendees.
The money raised by this event will go back to the Idaho Ballet Theater scholarship fund.
To learn more about the Idaho Ballet Theater or to purchase tickets, visit idballettheatre.org.