Every winter, the anticipation of the holidays grows, a familiar excitement begins to build inside Ballet Idaho’s students. It’s the kind of excitement only The Nutcracker can inspire.
While audiences see the elegance of the final performance, the production begins months earlier, carried by the nearly 100 young dancers whose dedication transforms this beloved ballet into something extraordinary.
For these students, The Nutcracker is not just a performance. It is a cherished tradition.
A Legacy Passed Down Through Generations
For Jessica Sulikowski, Ballet Idaho Academy Director and former principal dancer, The Nutcracker is woven into her life. She first danced in the production at age twelve and has now spent two decades inside its world. “I’ve been performing in The Nutcracker since I was 12 years old,” she recalls. “It’s been two decades of this incredible experience.” After joining Ballet Idaho in 2008, she danced in the show for 15 seasons before transitioning into coaching and leading the Academy.
Her favorite role was always the Sugar Plum Fairy. “The music is absolutely incredible with the harp,” she says. “It feels like this empowering, safe, warm moment for the dancer.” Today, she channels that same sense of wonder into guiding the next generation.
The Children of The Nutcracker
Each year, nearly 100 Ballet Idaho Academy students, local Boise and Treasure Valley kids, step into the world of The Nutcracker. Their presence onstage is part of what makes this production so unique. “The kids do a phenomenal job,” Sulikowski says. “Every year there’s a lot of growth, and we’re really proud of them.”
Their season begins in September with auditions that stretch over two weeks. Students learn early choreography, discover where they shine, and are placed into roles that match their abilities. From there, a long journey begins. They attend weekly Saturday rehearsals, midweek sessions with the company, and months of preparation that eventually total nearly 360 hours. “It’s a lot of commitment and a big undertaking,” Sulikowski says. “But they do really well.”
Through costume fittings, makeup tutorials, and mentorship from company dancers, the children not only learn technique but also learn to carry themselves as young artists. “The company really takes them under their wing,” Sulikowski says. “Watching those interactions is really endearing.”
Tradition, Transformation, and the Joy in Between
For many families, The Nutcracker is as much a holiday ritual as decorating cookies or lighting the tree. Sulikowski sees why it endures. “There’s something really beautiful and comforting about tradition,” she says. “Every year it’s slightly different and seen through different eyes.”
This season brings new saltwater taffy sailor costumes and fresh choreography, adding vibrancy while showcasing the dancers’ growing strength. “The dancers have done their fittings and they’re over the moon,” Sulikowski says. “They can’t wait to premiere the costumes and the choreography.”
Yet even with these exciting updates, the production still honors the classic moments audiences treasure, like the breathtaking transformation scene when the Christmas tree begins to grow. “My jaw drops every time,” Sulikowski admits. “I look forward to it each season.”
And of course, the beloved live music remains, performed by the Boise Philharmonic. “There’s something really magical about watching a performance with live music,” she says. “It’s like two for the price of one.”
A Community Woven Together
This year marks one of the largest student casts since before the pandemic, something Sulikowski attributes to renewed enthusiasm and Ballet Idaho’s thoughtful support for families. “Everyone’s loving it,” she says. “We’re super organized. We’re doing it with love and attention.”
Free backstage photos, cast T-shirts, cherished traditions like merde gifts, and the encouragement of parents and grandparents all create a sense of belonging. “It’s really special to know that our students are supported by their community,” Sulikowski says. “It brings everyone together.”
And for the dancers themselves, the impact is lasting. Many return year after year, growing from one role to the next, finding confidence and joy with each step. “I wish they could see themselves on stage,” Sulikowski says. “They’re truly doing a spectacular job.”
Ballet Idaho invites you to experience a holiday tradition brought to life by the children who make it shine. Join us for a season of beauty, wonder, and the timeless magic of The Nutcracker. Get your tickets now.