Over the past 40 years, Ballet Etudes has helped make The Nutcracker one of Chandler’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Founded in 1986, the nonprofit dance company brings the classic ballet to life each holiday season, captivating audiences with the timeless story of Clara and her magical Christmas Eve adventure.
As Sharon Meko, founding artistic director of Ballet Etudes, notes, the company will celebrate this year’s milestone with 14 performances of the beloved ballet over four weekends at Chandler Center for the Arts and Mesa Arts Center. Ballet Etudes has presented The Nutcracker at both venues every holiday season since each theater first opened its doors.
“We also host our annual Nutcracker Sweet Tea, a perennially sold-out event that serves as a wonderful kickoff to the holiday season,” Meko says.
While the annual performances continue to tell the story of Clara’s journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets, much has evolved over the past four decades.
“Almost every logistical and artistic element of the production has expanded,” she says. “We’ve refreshed the choreography, upgraded to vibrant new sets and costumes, added more performance dates across additional weekends, and expanded into larger regional venues to accommodate growing audiences.”
Reaching this milestone is a testament to the many people who dedicate their time and talents to bringing The Nutcracker to life each year.
“A production of this scale stays alive because of the collective dedication of our dancers, artistic staff, backstage crew, volunteers, and the loyal audiences who make us part of their holiday tradition year after year,” Meko says. “The faces and roles may evolve over time, but that shared passion and community spirit remain exactly the same.”
For Meko, one of the highlights of the season is watching the performers during theater rehearsal week as the production comes together onstage.
“Seeing the entire production come together on stage is a wonderful way to usher in the holidays,” she says. “I never tire of Tchaikovsky’s score, either. As the years go by, the music moves me even more deeply, especially during the ‘Grand Pas de Deux.’ I’m not sure if it’s pure nostalgia or simply a deepening love for the ballet, but that moment never fails to touch my heart.”
Equally meaningful is seeing former young dancers return to the stage in adult roles, sometimes alongside their own children.
“We’ve also seen generations come full circle. One of my former dancers, Louisa, gave birth to her daughter Helen on opening night of The Nutcracker years ago. Helen eventually grew up to dance with the company herself,” Meko says. “Having former students return and share the stage with their own children is truly the heart and beauty of Ballet Etudes, and it reflects the deep, lifelong relationships built here.”
“The faces and roles may evolve over time, but that shared passion and community spirit remain exactly the same.”