Here’s what’s new, what’s staying the same in Ballet West’s new-look ‘Nutcracker’

will soon debut its $3 million renovation of “The Nutcracker,” complete with colorful sets, polished props, sparkling costumes and special effects.

All that newness might leave you wondering about old favorites in the holiday classic conceived by Ballet West founder Willam Christensen, aka Mr. C. What will happen to those heartwarming family moments or exciting toe-touch splits in the air?

To answer those questions and more, we asked artistic director Adam Sklute for a sneak peek of what to expect when “The Nutcracker” begins its 2017 run Saturday, Dec.