Santa Cruz Ballet

SANTA CRUZ BALLET THEATRE’S BELOVED BALLET THE NUTCRACKER RETURNS TO THE CIVIC AUDITORIUM THIS DECEMBER

by Betty Sanchez

Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre is taking the leap and bringing live ballet back to Santa Cruz audiences this holiday season. After a year of restrictions, “The Nutcracker” will once again grace the stage of the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, accompanied by a live orchestra!

Our local pre-professional ballet company has steadfastly continued training dancers through the Covid pandemic and is finally bringing live performance back to our community. “It’s been a long, difficult year for everyone,” observes Artistic Director Diane Cypher. “The performing arts have been hit especially hard by the pandemic. Removing the traditional ways to teach and perform has forced us to think creatively, which we have done for over a year. Now it is possible to present live performances at the spacious Civic Auditorium, and with Covid safety protocols in place, we feel good about returning to the stage.” Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre (SCBT) is taking the leap in partnership with Music Director Pamela Martin, Orchestra

Conductor Norman Peck and 52 professional musicians will bring Tchaikovsky’s joyous score to life. Having live accompaniment has been a brilliant facet of the SCBT production since 2002. The production features SCBT company dancers, many of whom are on the cusp of professional careers in dance. These teenagers have trained hard for most of their young lives, including through the pandemic. “Live performance is an important part of their training. Further, performing with a live orchestra is an incredibly valuable experience to bring to a career in ballet,” remarks Ms. Cypher. Santa Cruz City Covid protocols will be in place for the performances for the safety of performers and audience alike. A Covid vaccination card or negative test result taken within 72 hours of admission — both with matching I.D. for everyone age 17 and older — must be shown to enter the Civic Auditorium. It is a small sacrifice to make to enjoy a live performance again, and SCBT needs audience support to survive. The protocol applies to all ages. SCBT recommends viewers be at least 3 years of age, as the performance is approximately 2 hours long with one twenty-minute intermission. Concessions will not be sold at the Civic, so please support local downtown restaurants before or after the show. We all need each others’ support to thrive. Please spend an afternoon or evening with your “The Nutcracker” presented by Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre with live orchestra at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Performances are Saturday, December 18 and Sunday, December 19. Tickets can be purchased at SantaCruzTickets. com or by calling (831) 420-5260 or at the Civic Box Office, 307 Church Street. The Box Office is open Tuesday-Friday 12-4:00 pm.