A Utah dancer’s dream comes true after she was cast as the “Sugarplum Fairy” in “The Nutcracker.”

SALT LAKE CITY – Ballet West is celebrating the 80th anniversary of a community favorite: “The Nutcracker.” The story revolves around a girl whose dream comes true. And that’s exactly what happened to a dancer from Utah that KSL TV has been following since 2012.

With grace and precision, Rylee Rogers takes center stage as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Ballet West’s 2024 production of The Nutcracker.

“I’ve dreamed of this day for so long,” Rogers said.

Rylee Rogers talks to KSL TV about the last 12 years of her dance career. (KSL TV)

The coveted role is one that Rogers has always hoped for.

“Last season I just got promoted to demi-soloist, and so I thought maybe I had another year or two before I could, you know, get that role. I love the music, especially the music for “The Sugarplum Fair.” It’s such a full circle moment,” she said.

“I really feel like I’m dreaming. Sometimes it doesn’t seem real, especially if you’re the Sugar Plum Fairy this year. I’m so excited! It’s a dream come true!” Rogers continued. “To take on such an iconic role, so challenging, the support of my colleagues and my best friends. And I feel like everyone is just rooting for me and rooting for me no matter what. It’s a great feeling, especially when you’re doing such a big, you know, dramatic story.”

Rogers’ latest casting comes full circle and marks a milestone that involves much more than just hope.

KSL TV first met Rylee Rogers in 2012 when she danced the role of Clara in Ballet West’s “The Nutcracker” at the age of 10. Even then she was fascinated by Ballet West.

“It’s just so much fun because you get to work with the amazing dancers in the company,” Rogers told KSL TV in 2012.

A 10-year-old Rylee Rogers talks to KSL TV about her experiences as Clara. (KSL TV)

Then her dedication and hard work took her to an even bigger stage. In 2014, KSL TV followed Rogers to New York City, where she played Clara again, this time in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

“Oh, how are you? “Okay, did you like the show?” Rogers asked a fan waiting to greet her at the stage door after the 2014 performance.

Rylee Rogers talks to a fan in New York City after the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in 2014. (KSL TV)

In 2021, Rogers joined Ballet West II, where young dancers trained to become members of Ballet West’s ensemble group. At the time, artistic director Adam Sklute knew Rogers was fine.

“Now she is doing wonderfully in Ballet West II and is on a fast track to moving up in that company,” Sklute told KSL TV in 2021.

Rylee Rogers practices with Ballet West II in 2021. (KSL-TV)

Rogers quickly realized that she had a loving and supportive family living across the country while she attended several classes, rehearsals and performances.

“I felt it from the first moment. And I feel like my family was always behind me and watching me. And of course, my mom signed me up for countless competitions and took me to different studios and summer programs. And I remember my dad always picking me up from ballet as a kid, and so I felt like I always had that support system, which is so, so amazing and I’m so grateful for that,” Rogers said.

Rylee Rogers and her family. (Courtesy of Rylee Rogers)

She is deeply emotional when talking about her mother, Shannon.

“She is the greatest mother I could ever ask for, especially in such a hard and challenging job. She’s very supportive, she keeps me healthy and grounded, which I’m so grateful for,” said Rogers.

She also said it’s “no coincidence” that her talented and kind partner Tyler Gum is performing with her in 2024. He was also her partner in 2012.

“He was my prince when I was Clara, and now we are Sugarplum Fairy and Cavalier together. It almost makes me a little emotional. “I’m just excited to have that full-circle moment with him,” Rogers said. “He is such a great partner. And he was so helpful throughout the entire process. He was very encouraging. And He is willing to do whatever I need, whenever I need it. And that’s why I’m so grateful for him.”

Rylee Rogers shows a photo of her and Tyler Gum in 2012. (KSL TV)

Ballet West’s The Nutcracker amazes audiences 80 years after its first performance in America and continues to have a magical effect on dancers.

“I feel so honored to be with the people I do and to do this. I loved every minute of it and am so grateful to be able to do it here at Ballet West,” said Rogers.

Ballet West’s performances of “The Nutcracker” continue through December 28 at the Capitol Theater in downtown Salt Lake City.