Review: Studio West Dance Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’

Originally published on The JOLT News on December 3, 2025

Prior to attending this performance, I reached out to my friends to see who among them has either never attended the ballet, or attended so long ago that they do not remember it. My dear friend, Casey Holmes, had only been to a ballet once and it was 45 years ago. What an honor it was to have her join my mom and I for Studio West’s "The Nutcracker."  

Having seen different variations of "The Nutcracker" through the years, I found this performance to be refreshing, entirely lovely and very whimsical. 

 Observations 

Last week in my column, I discussed what I witnessed during Studio West’s "The Nutcracker" rehearsal. As is natural to the rehearsal process, I watched moments of victory and growth opportunities. Going into the performance this round, I had my own little list of things I was looking out for, and the dancers performed above my hopes or expectations.   

Studio West’s teaching staff and directors have such revere for their dancers, and it is shown in the kind and respectful ways they mentor their students, as well as how they help them finesse the little details, making the biggest difference.

This finessing was evident in the performance as they went above and beyond what I saw in rehearsal. The ballet was professional but still familial, traditional to "The Nutcracker" yet full of unique moments and a little humor, and all dance steps were sharp but appeared with a softness that made them approachable.  

Earlier this year, I had the honor of watching Studio West’s production of “Giselle” both on stage and in rehearsal. Giselle introduced me to Kate Abbott and Waylen Stevens. Just within months between "Giselle" and "The Nutcracker," I have watched these artists grow and find a way to make their craft their own.

That is one of the most fulfilling things about participating in the arts in this town, you get to witness incredible moments of growth in the community and in the lives of extremely dedicated individuals.  

Kate Abbott played the Sugar Plum Fairy with an elegance and grace that makes every one of her moves look deceptively easy. Similar to Nora Saylors-Olson, her acting and dancing abilities are stunning. Abbott and her dance partner, Gibson Baggett who played Cavalier (who I call Sugar Plum Prince), honed in on the chemistry crucial to the famous Pas De Deux. Both together and separately, their dances were glorious and very moving.  

During rehearsal, I watched as Saylors-Olson embodied all the emotional nuances of Clara with her physicality, quite literally down to her eye lashes. My view of Saylors-Olson came from the mezzanine during the performance, yet her ability to emote was observed just as well as when I was a foot away. Waylen Stevens played the Nutcracker with a sweet charm, gentlemanly manner, and dedication to each moment.  

Every incredible detail displayed on stage takes immense physical awareness, acting capability and talent, and applaud Saylors-Olson and the rest of the cast for their skills and dedication to their craft. 

Reflections 

In the director’s note, co-directors Stephanie Wood-Ennett and Mary Cecelia Piper shared a message that spoke to my heart.

It reads: 

“In a world where so much of our daily experiences has shifted to screens, the performing arts remind us of the irreplaceable power of human connection. There is something profoundly special about gathering in a theater; sharing laughter, surprise, and applause with those around us. Live performance connects us not only to the dancers on stage but also to one another.”  

There lies an invitation for us this holiday season. The best present we can give is to be present. I love holiday movies, maybe even more than the average person, but I invite you to choose your viewing times selectively and to prioritize live arts this season and beyond.  

My family and I continue to make really joyful and special memories in the audience, and I think our connection has grown deeper to one another and community through the creative and loving energy that flows in a performance. We have expanded our friend group and sense of community by talking to our seat neighbors. I cannot think of a more meaningful gift than that.  

Let us be the bridge to building memories. Browse through the JOLT Events calendar for performance suggestions this month and in the New Year, and mark your calendars for when Studio West returns to the stage from April 30 to May 2 with "Coppélia." 

https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/hold-review-studio-west-dance-theatres-the-nutcracker,27256