December Welcomes Nutcrackers to The Bay Area
San Francisco Ballet Creates a Magical Winter Wonderland
December 6-29, 2024; A Benefit Luncheon: “Land of Dreams”, 12/14 at 12pm
When the month of December arrives, drop everything you do and take your kids and grandkids to the War Memorial Opera House to experience the magical presentation of
San Francisco’s Ballet’s “Nutcracker’.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary of former Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson’s production with an extended run of shows. Special performances include the third-annual Sensory Friendly Performance and SCHOOL-TIME PERFORMANCES for young audiences. As the first American ballet company to present a full-length Nutcracker in 1944, SF Ballet paved the way for this production to become a holiday classic and continues the beloved tradition in the spirit of innovation. Set in early twentieth-century San Francisco and inspired by the Panama Pacific International Exposition, Nutcracker showcases exquisite choreography by Tomasson, scenic design by Tony Award-winner Michael Yeargan, costume design by Tony Award-winner Martin Pakledinaz, lighting design by James F. Ingalls, and projection design by Wendall K. Harrington.
Information
415-865-2000; sfballet.org
War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness at Grove in San Francisco
Photos courtesy of SF Ballet
Celebrate the Holiday Season with Smuin Contemporary Ballet
Shows in Mountain View and San Francisco: December 5-24, 2024
Smuin’s joyful holiday tradition returns to “Drive the Grinches away!” (San Francisco Chronicle). A seasonal delight, The Christmas Ballet spreads yuletide cheer with its signature showcase of classical and contemporary dances set to delightfully festive tunes.
With the surprise unwrapping of new treats each year, this celebratory medley incorporates a variety of dance styles including ballet, jazz, swing, and more.
The Christmas Ballet offers something for everyone: an elegant first act presenting beautiful classical ballet set to beloved carols, followed by the red-hot second act with joyful contemporary numbers set to pop favorites. Hope Smuin’s holiday spectacular, which was declared “Sheer joy…the finest toast to the season” by the San Francisco Chronicle, will have their annual shower of snow flakes landing on the entire cheerful audience… What fun! Smuin Contemporary Ballet thrives on diverse views and dance styles to create art that is original, evocative, and entertaining. Founded in San Francisco in 1994 by Tony and Emmy Award-winning choreographer Michael Smuin, the company is committed to sharing its passion for dance through performances, classes, and community engagement. From 2007-2024, Artistic Director Emerita Celia Fushille sustained Michael Smuin’s legacy while enriching the company’s repertoire by collaborating with choreographers from around the world, commissioning world premieres, and bringing new choreographic voices to the Smuin stage. Now at the helm, Artistic Director Amy Seiwert continues to lead Smuin in bold and creative ways.
Information
Photos courtesy of Smuin Contemporary Ballet
Napa Valley Cheers The Nutcracker
December 21 & 22, 2024
Spend a cheers-ful weekend in Napa Valley while enjoying the creative staging of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, “The Nutcracker” presented by the Regional Dance Company of Napa Valley.
Bring the entire family to the theater this holiday season to experience Clara’s whimsical journey to the Land of Sweets!
Relive the magic of dancing dolls, mischievous mice, a brave Nutcracker, sword fights, snowflakes, exquisite fairies, and an enormous Christmas tree as its centerpiece. Complimentary cookies will await all. Napa Regional Dance Company will present four performances of this favorite ballet to partner with your beautiful holiday activities for every age. I am sure they will be pouring wines from the local wineries.
Information
Performing Arts Center, Napa Valley College
2277 Napa Vallejo Highway in Napa
Photos courtesy of Regional Dance Company of Napa Valley
The San Jose Nutcracker is The Perfect Holiday Tradition!
December 14 – 23, 2024; My Very First Nutcracker – December 15 & 22 at 11am
This is the season to connect with family, friends, and community and there is no better way to celebrate Holiday magic than with The San Jose Nutcracker performing at the architecturally stunning California Theater. Now is the time to start securing your seats for San Jose’s favorite Nutcracker. This production is presented with Symphony San Jose who will be accompanying all performances, including My Very First Nutcracker! New Ballet was founded in 2016 by local dancer, choreographer and ballet teacher Dalia Rawson. New Ballet is the institution that San Jose and Silicon Valley look to for excellence in the art of ballet. They provide exceptional ballet productions and a positive learning environment in which young dancers can grow and thrive. “At the New Ballet we believe ballet is for everyone.”
Information
408-352-5616; newballet.com
California Theater, 345 South First Street in downtown San Jose
By Lina Broydo
