West Point Ballet Presents

THE NUTCRACKER

November 13-14, 2026

Acknowledgements

Production

Artistic Director:

Juliana Vorkink Martin

Associate Director of Performances:

Hannah Hurd

Music: Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmonic Orchestra

Choreography: Staged by Juliana Vorkink Martin, Hannah Hurd, and West Point Ballet Faculty

Special thanks to...

Our incredible faculty: Juliana Vorkink Martin, Hannah Hurd, Sharlee Peay, Lisa Vorkink, Kalise Child, Faith Hortin, Meleah Paishon, Courtney Olsen, Jessie Salter, Julianna Velling, Sarah Anderson, Shelley Rollins, Stephanie Cotton, Carole Bingham, Ashley Chappell, Rocio Holker, Jenni Sperry.

All of our parents, parent volunteers, chaperones, and backstage helpers

Guest artists: Morgan Morley Hastings, Bashaun Williams, Mike Martin, Dusty Stout, Rocio Holker, Brandon Frandsen, Sharlee Peay, Landon Peay, Amber Holmes, Jeff Holmes, Madi Pedroza, Alec Pedroza, Cooper Henderson, Hannah Hurd, Juliana Vorkink Martin

Lighting Designer: Riley Merrill
Sound Engineer: Chris Gould
Flyman and Rigger: Peter Jones

Coordinator: Carole Bingham
Costume Coordinator: Rocio Holker
Seamstress: Rebecca Burton, Annie Walker
Stage and Production Manager: Lisa Vorkink
Hallway Manager: GeriLynn Vorkink
Volunteer Manager: Carolyn Nottingham
Volunteer Coordinator: Ashley Chappell
Floor installation: Mike Martin, Ben Chappell
Videographer: Matt Hepworth
Photographers: Sharlee Peay Photography, Pro Pointe Photography
(TITLE) Jenni Sperry Props Committee: Jason and Sydnye McCain, Gaige Dupaix, Jonathan Oswald

Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center Event Manager: Tyler Smith
Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center Technical Director: Ryan Smythe
Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center staff
ArtTix staff

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A note from the Artistic Director:

Dear family, friends, and supporters,

Welcome to our performances of The Nutcracker! I am thrilled to have you here supporting our incredible dancers. While every production we present is special, The Nutcracker holds a particularly dear place in my heart. It represents our own original interpretation of this beloved Christmas story, and I am delighted to bring it back to the stage for the fourth consecutive year.

This production is especially meaningful to us, as it features not only our talented academy dancers—over 150 of them—but also guest performers from the community, our faculty, and professional guest artists. It is truly inspiring to see so much talent come together to bring this story to life.

We are grateful to perform in the beautiful, state-of-the-art theater at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. I hope you enjoy experiencing The Nutcracker in this wonderful, professional facility.

As a performer myself, I know there is nothing quite like the energy of a full audience—laughing, clapping, cheering, and engaging with the show. I am so glad you are here to share in that experience.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my amazing faculty for their time, talent, energy, creativity, and vision. Their problem-solving skills and dedication are unparalleled. I am also deeply grateful to our class parents and volunteers for generously contributing their time this week. In addition, I want to recognize many members of my own family for their support and willingness to help make these performances possible. And thank you to my husband Mike, without whom West Point Ballet would not exist in any form.

Finally, thank you to our parents for your faith in me and your ongoing support of this program. This journey has been incredible, and I am excited for what lies ahead for West Point Ballet.

Enjoy the show!

Warmly,
Juliana Vorkink Martin
Owner and Artistic Director, West Point Ballet

Story Synopsis:

~ Act 1 ~

The enchanting story of The Nutcracker begins at the home of the Stahlbaum family, where they are hosting their annual holiday celebration in honor of Clara coming of age. Friends and relatives arrive from near and far, bringing gifts to mark the special occasion. Clara and her younger brother Fritz are especially excited for the arrival of their mysterious godfather, Drosselmeyer. When he appears, he delights the guests with magic tricks and presents life-sized dancing dolls. He also brings Clara a very special gift: a beautiful, one-of-a-kind Nutcracker doll.

As the party winds down and the guests depart, Clara—tired from the excitement—falls asleep with the Nutcracker cradled in her arms.

During the night, strange things begin to happen. The Christmas tree grows taller and taller, and mice emerge from the shadows. Clara awakens to find herself surrounded by rats. Suddenly, her beloved Nutcracker comes to life, transformed into a Nutcracker Prince. He summons his toy soldiers to battle the Rat Queen and her army. Terrified but brave, Clara distracts the Rat Queen, allowing the Nutcracker Prince to claim victory and seize the Queen’s crown.

With the battle won, the Nutcracker fully transforms into a prince. Angels appear and guide Clara and the Prince into a shimmering winter landscape. There, the Snow Queen welcome them, dancing among falling, glistening snowflakes.

~ 15 MINUTE INTERMISSION ~

~ Act 2 ~

Clara and the Prince travel to a delightful realm known as the Land of Sweets. Upon their arrival, they are warmly welcomed by the Court Fairy, Ladies in Waiting, sweet fairies, and the elegant Sugar Plum Fairy with her Cavalier. Clara and the Nutcracker Prince share the tale of their battle and the journey that brought them to this magical kingdom.

In celebration of their victory, the Sugar Plum Fairy joyfully summons everyone in the Land of Sweets to dance in their honor. Clara joins her newfound friends in a final, joyful dance before she returns home with her beloved Nutcracker.

Casting

Act 1 Casting

Villagers: Dusty Stout, Brandon Frandsen, Crew Peay

Maid: Lola Firpo

Understudy: Eden Dunn

Housemaids: Hannah Blankenagel, Anabella Hernandez, Abigail Hall, Hadassah Castellano

Nanny: Tayli Greenhalgh

Understudy: Audrey Glad

Clara Cast 1: Abigail Walker

Clara Cast 2: Baylor Higgs

Fritz Cast 1: Ella Morrell

Fritz Cast 2: Hallie Dixon

Mrs. Stahlbaum: Sharlee Peay

Mr. Stahlbaum: Landon Peay

Granny Julianny: Juliana Martin

Party Parents: Elise Daw, Alyssa Bingham, Rocio Holker, Amber Holmes, Addison Hunter, Madi Pedroza, Cooper Henderson, Dusty Stout, Jeff Holmes, Brandon Frandsen, Alec Pedroza

Party People: Audrey Glad, Eden Dunn, Kate Wadsworth, Madi Earhart, Ainsley Olsen, McKenzie Nielson

Party Girls: Catalina Eddings, Chloe Reynolds, Chloe Shamy, Hattie Hurd, Isabella Preusz, Rosie Lamping, Ssavanna Bean, Isabella Michaelis, Brighton Sutton, Isla Morrissey, Kate Sperry, Margot Roeller, Tatiana Dorofeeva, Macie Wasden.

Jr Party Girls: Ashlyn Macklin, Lucy Bonkosky, Claire Gage, Azalea Holmes, Bria Martin, Kiera Pedroza, Blake Peay, Catherine Michaelis

Party Boys: Charlie Doane, Taft Peay, Crew Peay, Bryce Hurd, Finn Salter

Garland Gallop: Julia Michaelis, Emma Burton, Ahna Li, Jillian Hinckley, Millie Killpack, Hailey LeSueur

Herr Drosselmeyer (“Drossel-Mike”): Mike Martin

Ballerina Doll Cast 1: Naomi Day

Ballerina Dall Cast 2: Heidi Davidson

Harlequin Doll Cast 1: Brooklyn LaMela

Harlequin Doll Cast 2: Kilmeny Nicolaysen

Jesters: Scout Salter, Ellie Baird

Dancing Bear Cast 1: Amillya McCain

Dancing Bear Cast 2: Madi Earhart

Baby Mice: Julia Glad, Sadie Taylor, Zoya Trykoza, Renata Aponte, Alice Kunzler, Lettie Hinckley, Yejin Woodruff, Ruby Mullins, Saylor Souza

Bravo Company: Emma Burton, Eunika Wang, Jillian Hinckley, Julia Michaelis

Drummers: Ivy Van Rij, Charlie Doane

Trumpeter: Ashtyn Snow

Rat Queen: Andrea Holker

Understudy: Mahayla Chappell

Rats: Abigail Walker, Audrey Glad, Baylor Higgs, Eden Dunn, Ella Morrell, Hallie Dixon, Kate Wadsworth, Madi Earhart, McKenzie Nielson, Ainsley Olsen, Amillya McCain, Naomi Day, Rosie Shamy, Kilmeny Nicolaysen, Heidi Davidson, Brooklyn LaMela

Nutcracker Prince:

Understudy: Leah

Soldiers: Ashtyn Snow, Charlie Doane, Ellie Baird, Ivy Van Rij, Maggie Glad, Savannah Kern, Scout Salter, Addison Karagas, Ahna Li, Emma Burton, Eunika Wang, Faye Hurd, Hazel Dunn, Jillian Hinckley, Julia Michaelis, Rose Wright, Scarlett Shamy, Millie Killpack, Hailey LeSueur

Angels: Hallie Hawkins, Eleanor Lambson, Nyah Griffith, Lucy Bair, Ember Watson, Adrian Henderson, Candace Jones, Gabi Nelsen, Elleanor Webb, Charlotte Garstka, Jane Graham, Birdie Salter

Snow Crystals: Heidi Davidson, Addison Hunter, Elise Daw, Lola Firpo

Snow Queen: Alyssa Bingham

Understudy: Clara Mitchell

Snow Jr. Corps: Addison Hunter, Amillya McCain, Heidi Davidson, Lila Gardner, Naomi Day, Rosie Shamy, Kilmeny Nicolaysen, Brooklyn LaMela, Elise Daw, Mahayla Chappell, Tayli Greenhalgh

Snow Sr. Corps: Andrea Holker, Leah Frandsen, Carson McIntosh, Clara Mitchell

Act 2 Casting

Sugar Plum Fairy: Morgan Hastings Morley

Cavalier: Bashaun Williams

Court Fairy: Andrea Holker

Understudy: Carson McIntosh

Ladies and Gentlemen in Waiting: Ashtyn Snow, Charlie Doane, Ellie Baird, Ivy Van Rij, Maggie Glad, Savannah Kern, Scout Salter, Addison Karagas, Ahna Li, Emma Burton, Eunika Wang, Faye Hurd, Hazel Dunn, Jillian Hinckley, Julia Michaelis, Rose Wright, Scarlett Shamy, Millie Killpack, Hailey LeSueur

Sweet Fairies: Julia Glad, Sadie Taylor, Zoya Trykoza, Renata Aponte, Alice Kunzler, Lettie Hinckley, Saylor Souza

Spanish: Mahayla Chappell

Understudy: Naomi Day

Arabian Queens: Lila Gardner, Clara Mitchell

Understudy: Leah Frandsen Andrea Holker

Chinese Lead: Rosie Shamy

Chinese Corps: Catalina Eddings, Chloe Reynolds, Chloe Shamy, Hattie Hurd, Isabella Preusz, Rosie Lamping, Savanna Bean, Isabella Michaelis

Russian Soloists: Levi Allen, Leah Frandsen

Understudy: Andrea Holker

Russian Corps: Madi Earhart, Amillya McCain, Naomi Day, Elise Daw, Lola Firpo, Tayli Greenhalgh, Brooklyn LaMela, Addison Hunter

Lead Mirliton: Carson McIntosh

Understudy: Lila Gardner

Petite Mirlitons: Faye Hurd, Hazel Dunn, Rose Wright, Scarlett Shamy

Mother Ginger: Dusty Stout

Ginger Snaps: Tatiana Dorofeeva, Kate Sperry, Brighton Sutton, Macie Wasden, Margot Roeller, Isla Morrissey

Gingerfeet: Hannah Hurd

Dew Drop Fairy: Leah Frandsen

Understudy: Andrea Holker

Waltz of the Flowers Jr Corps: Abigail Walker, Audrey Glad, Baylor Higgs, Eden Dunn, Ella Morrell, Hallie Dixon, Kate Wadsworth, Madi Earhart, McKenzie Nielson, Ainsley Olsen

Waltz of the Flowers Sr. Corps: Addison Hunter, Amillya McCain, Heidi Davidson, Lila Gardner, Naomi Day, Rosie Shamy, Kilmeny Nicolaysen, Alyssa Bingham, Andrea Holker, Brooklyn LaMela, Carson McIntosh, Clara Mitchell, Elise Daw, Leah Frandsen, Lola Firpo, Mahayla Chappell, Tayli Greenhalgh

Performers

Guest Performers

Morgan Morley

Sugar Plum Fairy

Morgan grew up in Sandy, Utah, where she began her dance training at Linda Fenton Dance Studio. She was a trainee with Ballet West until she moved to Moscow, Russia, to study at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. Morgan studied ballet in Russia for a year, and upon her return, she danced with the company, Utah Metropolitan Ballet.

She graduated from BYU with a BA in dance and was able to work with repetiteurs from the Arpino and Balanchine foundations while dancing with Theatre Ballet Company.

After graduating, Morgan lived in London and continued to train and dance as a freelance artist.

Over the years, she has taught ballet at various studios across the valley. Morgan was the Ballet Director at Studio V Performing Arts Academy for 4 years. While teaching, she also enjoyed her time dancing with Chrysalis Ballet Company.

Alongside her dance career, Morgan has supported her training by becoming certified in Stott Pilates (Mat & Reformer), Total Barre, and Progressing Ballet Technique.

Recently, she went back to school to study nursing. She is working as a nurse on the Neuro ICU at Intermountain. She continues to dance and perform as a guest artist and jumps at any opportunity to be involved in the dance world.

Bashaun Williams

Cavalier

Bashaun Williams is a native of Lubbock, Texas. He started dancing at the age of 16 with Ballet Lubbock, under the Artistic Direction of Yvonne Racz-Key. While in high school, Bashaun was the only Sophomore to play Varsity basketball for Lubbock High. He went on to become the captain of the Varsity team during his Junior and Senior years. Bashaun excelled artistically and academically while at Lubbock High school, performing numerous roles in many of Ballet Lubbock’s professional productions, and received the top honor of being named All-Westerner Boy during his Senior year. Bashaun was offered a full academic and artistic merit scholarship to attend the University of Utah.

At the University of Utah, Bashaun was a member of the resident performing company, Utah Ballet from 2007-2011. During this time, he performed numerous Principle and Soloist roles and graduated with Honors in 2011.

Upon graduation, Bashaun was offered a contract to join the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, where he danced for an entire decade! As a member of the company, he toured extensively throughout the United States, Africa, France, Japan, Mongolia & South Korea to perform and teach master classes. As a professional dancer, Bashaun has performed the works of many renowned choreographers such as Alwin Nikolais, Murray Louis, Stevan Novakovich, Edward Truitt, Val Caniparoli, Rick Tija, Johannes Weiland, Bill T. Jones, Adam Barruch, Charlotte Boye-Christensen, Doug Varone, Yin Yue, Raja Feather Kelly and Daniel Charon, among others. Not only did his passion for performing grow during this time, but also, his passion for teaching. Bashaun has had the privilege of teaching master classes at renown universities such as Georgia University, The University of Utah, Utah Valley University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, Brenau University, & Loyola Marymount University, to name a few. In the last 12 years, Bashaun has set choreography and taught creative movement classes in over 100 Utah schools! Bashaun is currently on faculty for Ballet West Academy, a full time fitness instructor, dance educator, and a freelance performer and choreographer based out of Salt Lake City.

Ryan Lambert

Nutcracker Prince, Arabian Cavalier

Ryan Lambert began his ballet training at the age of thirteen at Linda Fenton Dance Studio in Sandy. He attended the Ballet West Summer Intensive in 2014. From 2017-2022 as a member of BYU Theater Ballet he performed various roles in Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Flower Festival, Paquita, Gerald Arpino's Reflections, and George Balanchine's Walpurgisnacht. His earliest ballet performances were with Mountain West Ballet in productions including The Nutcracker and Alice in Wonderland.

He has guest-starred in various Nutcracker productions for Barlow Arts Conservatory, Hot Shots Dance Studio, and Smash Dance Academy. You may have seen him at the Hale Center Theatre in Sandy in An American in Paris, and the Hale Center Theatre Orem in Anything Goes, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and The Drowsy Chaperone.

Ryan now lives in New York City and has continued his dance training at Steps on Broadway and Gibney Dance Center.