Utah Senate designates Ballet West’s Nutcracker a living historic landmark

The Utah Senate voted to recognize Ballet West’s production of The Nutcracker as a living historic landmark, passing first substitute Senate Bill 175 on Feb. 16, 2024. Sponsor Sen. Luz Escamilla introduced the bill and invited Ballet West staff and the family of William Christensen to the chamber.

Escamilla framed the measure as recognition of a Utah cultural contribution, saying the company’s Nutcracker “is the most magical bill of this session” and noting that Christensen, known as “Mr. C,” choreographed America’s first full‑length Nutcracker and later founded Ballet West. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 that honors Ballet West’s history and community contributions.

The bill passed on a recorded vote with 21 ayes, no nays and eight members absent; the legislation will be transmitted to the House for consideration. Escamilla said the designation seeks “to honor the national cultural treasure that we have in our own state.”

No fiscal note or policy change beyond the designation was discussed on the floor. The companion resolution, also adopted, signals bipartisan support for the state recognition and was presented as a cultural celebration with Ballet West guests in the gallery.

The next procedural step is transmittal to the House for concurrence and final enrollment for signature and enactment.