Step into the world of Nutcracker beyond the spotlight with our exclusive feature, which offers a glimpse into the important place this ballet holds in the lives of so many dancers, their favorite onstage and offstage memories, and the festive traditions that they look forward to every year. In this edition, hear from three Pacific Northwest Ballet Corps de Ballet Dancers—Morgan Barton, Sofia Bidne, and Dylan Calahan.
Select a topic tab to read the dancers’ stories and insights.
How old were you when you saw The Nutcracker for the first time? Did you see the ballet before you performed in it?
Morgan Barton: I was 8 when I saw The Nutcracker the first time. I had just started ballet so I had no idea what The Nutcracker was until I performed it for the first time.
Sofia Bidne: I was probably 4 when I first saw The Nutcracker. My mom would take me to see Texas Ballet Theater perform every year and I remember it being so magical and thinking, “I want to do that someday.”
Dylan Calahan: I must’ve been around 4 the first time I saw my local ballet company do The Nutcracker, and even though I don’t remember much, it made an impression on me. It became somewhat of a yearly tradition in my family, so when I finally got to perform in it when I was 8 or 9, I was thrilled and felt quite accomplished.
What’s your favorite Nutcracker memory, on stage or off?
MB: One year, backstage before Snow, I had so much energy and we were doing Swan Lake later that season. Another dancer and I just randomly started doing steps from Swan Lake. It’s been a tradition ever since.
What’s your dream Nutcracker role?
MB: Dew Drop or Lead Marzipan.
SB: Sugar Plum Fairy. Growing up, my studio would always bring in professional dancers for Sugar Plum and Cavalier, and I always felt so inspired by them. I would love to one day be able to guest at Dallas Ballet Center as the Sugar Plum and get to see the next generation of dancers at my home studio.
What’s your favorite holiday song?
MB: “Last Christmas” by Wham!. I’m obsessed with it.
What’s a holiday indulgence or ritual you look forward to every year?
MB: I love watching The Polar Express every Christmas. I’ve done it since I was a kid and it’s a must every year.
DC: I’d say the night before Christmas and getting up early on Christmas morning are some of my favorite childhood memories, and I still look forward to experiencing that every year, even if I let myself sleep in a bit later than I did when I was 6. And it wouldn’t be the holidays without spending quality time with family and friends, even if it’s on FaceTime.
ABOUT THESE ARTISTS
To learn more about Morgan, Sofia, and Dylan, click here >>
Featured Image: Pacific Northwest Ballet Company dancers in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo © Angela Sterling.
© 2025 En Face Ballet Collection Creative Studios. Concept and Design by En Face.
