Halloween is over, the time has changed and there is definitely a chill in the air. While Christmas and holiday decorations are already pouring out of stores, I'm not quite ready for it yet, I do like to have my Thanksgiving first and Christmas in due course, but what this month of November really gears me up for is... Nutcracker season! And, holiday ballets in general. Living in the Bay Area, we are so lucky to have so many fantastic performance companies and opportunities to see a variety of holiday shows. So, I thought I'd take today's blog to share a few of my favorites with you and encourage you to see as many of them as you can! There's something for everyone, if you're looking for a classic Nuctracker that's kid friendly or something a bit more entertaining for the adults, check out the list I've complied as your guide to all the holiday dance options jete-ing towards a Bay Area stage near you.
Let's start with the most traditional of holiday ballets: The Nutcracker. San Francisco Ballet does a lovely production with grandiose costumes and sets (above is a clip from their Waltz of the Snowflakes). SFB does theirs with a slight twist; the original time frame of the ballet has been moved to the World Fair in 1915 San Francisco (traditionally the ballet is set in the late 1800's in Germany). This year it hits the stage at the War Memorial Opera House from December 9-27. Or, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for it to air on PBS, each year around this time they air the 2007 recorded version. There are of course, many school productions that are nicely done as well, the two that are closest to my heart are Community Youth Center's in Concord and Benicia Ballet Theatre. Having invested much of my own time and love into both of these productions, it is not only heart warming to see the tale of the Nutcracker played out but to see young dancers invest their own talent and love into a story that is magical and captivating for many different reasons. Check out their websites for information on performance days, times and tickets!
 |
| Benicia Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker |
Not all holiday ballets are your usual Nutcracker though, Sonoma Ballet Conservatory brings a different magical tale, The Magic Toy Shop to the Sebastiani Theatre in Sonoma November 19th and 20th. It's a refreshing plot change from The Nutcracker, but equally magical: a shopkeeper’s beloved toys come to life and perform for prospective customers, until the day when two spoiled girls enter the store with their mothers and decide to purchase and separate a pair of Can-Can Dolls. The night before the families are to return for their selections, the toys share an evening of farewell performances before the Cossack declares they should rebel and fight to keep the Can-Can Dolls from such a wretched fate as being purchased by spoiled children. But, I couldn't tell you the ending... you'll have to go see it for yourself!
 |
| Sonoma Ballet Conservatory's The Magic Toy Shop |
Additional companies that do a variation upon the usual holiday ballet are Smuin Ballet with its Christmas Ballet, ODC Dance with the Velveteen Rabbit. I've been a fan of Smuin's Christmas Ballet for many years, it has a wonderful variety that is entertaining to both children, ballet goers, and dance newbies. From tap dancing Christmas trees to sultry Santa Babies, this ballet will definitely get you in the mood for the holiday season. Here's the website for more information. ODC's The Velveteen Rabbit is a classic for many San Franciscans, and although I've never gotten the chance to see it myself, I've heard rave reviews and am hoping to see it this year. ODC is well known for their ground breaking work, and I'm sure this ballet with choreography by KT Nelson and narrative based on Margery William's classic tale is well worth seeing. Performances run from November 25-December 11th, click here for more information.
Do you have a favorite holiday dance show that I didn't list? I'm always searching for new and exciting performances, so please let me know at theballerinabirthday@gmail.com! I'm sure as the season gets underway I'll find more things to share, and would love it if you would share too!
No comments:
Post a Comment