On Sunday evening, Montage Deer Valley collaborated with Ballet West to present a special performance as part of the resort's festive 12 Days of Montage celebration. The event took place in the Vista Lounge, where excerpts from 'The Nutcracker' were performed, coinciding with the theme of 'Nine Ladies Dancing' during the holiday season. Evelyn Cisneros-Legate, director of the Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy, expressed her excitement about showcasing the talents of young dancers from the Ballet West Academy in Park City and those from the Ballet West center in downtown Salt Lake City. The performance included twin sisters Heidi and Holly Haglin, who have been part of Ballet West’s professional training division and engaged guests as they circulated throughout the hotel. The scenes from 'The Nutcracker' followed its classic storyline, beginning with Herr Drosselmeyer introducing a mechanical doll at a Christmas party. Clara, the protagonist, receives a nutcracker instead and is then led through the enchanting Land of Snow to the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy performs. The dancers, aged between 8 and 19, performed on a long, narrow stage set up in the lounge, creating an intimate atmosphere reminiscent of home-based performances. The director noted that performing in unique spaces like this enriches dancers' experiences and allows them to share their art in beautiful settings. Ballet West is currently presenting 'The Nutcracker' in its entirety at the Capitol Theatre through December 27, providing audiences with more opportunities to enjoy the classic ballet. Angela Krull, director of major gifts and corporate sponsorships for Ballet West, highlighted the importance of engaging with the community through special events. Audience members, including Ashley Wynn, found the performance to be an unexpected delight, emphasizing how such events make ballet more accessible and enjoyable for hotel guests. The initiative to offer complimentary performances during the holiday season allows audiences to experience the spirit of dance in a relaxed setting.