In a year that has demanded maximum resilience from creative arts professionals in the Bay Area and beyond, there are many dance organizations that just won’t let the holidays slip by without a visit from Clara and her beloved Nutcracker.
而家庭and ballet lovers won’t have theusual winter storm of in-person performancestypically offered this time of the year to choose from, there are quite a few ways to enjoy the classic Christmas ballet from home.
Here’s a list of some “Nutcracker” performances slated to arrive virtually in 2020, from local favorites to those thatwould often have toured regionally in pre-pandemic times.
S.F. Ballet: Nutcracker Online
The San Francisco Ballet’s annual holiday performance is coming straight into your home this year as a virtual, interactive experience. Patrons will get a chance to watch the recorded performance and experience a digital tour of the War Memorial Opera House with interactive activities. Look through downloadable holiday pictures available to share with friends, enjoy historical highlights from theS.F. Ballet’s long “Nutcracker” performance history and learn steps from the choreography.
Through Dec. 31. $49, includes 48-hour access to programming. 415-865-2000.sfballet.org
The Hip-Hop Nutcracker
A contemporary interpretation of the traditional ballet set toTchaikovskyʼsscore bringsE.T.A.Hoffmannʼsbeloved story from 19thcentury Germany to contemporary New York City. Performances are set to be live-streamed from the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and presented as a holiday mashup for the entire family toenjoy, with direction/choreography by Jennifer Weber. The evening-length production features a cast of all-star dancers, DJ and live music. MC Kurtis Blow is set to open the show with a short set.
Through Jan. 3. $25. For full performance schedule, go tohiphopnutcracker.com
Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets
Don’t miss this edition of the classic holiday ballet from Mark Foehringer Dance Project, tailored to families with small children and audiences of all ages, featuring fan-favorite Nutcracker characters in costumes by Emmy-nominated Richard Battle and set design by Peter Crompton. Oakland Symphony director Michael Morgan conducts the live chamber orchestra accompaniment.
Dec. 10-31.Free, donations encouraged.mfdpsf.org/nutcracker-sweets
ODC/Dance Presents:The Velveteen RabbitOn-Demand
Choreographer KT Nelson’s dance theater presents their interpretation of Margery Williams’ children’s book about an enduring relationship between a boy and his stuffed rabbit, exploring themes of illness, resilience, loyalty and friendship. The performance will be offered as an online经验有ODCdancers including Daniel Santos,TeganSchwab, JamesGilmerand RachelFurst.Narration by杰夫Hoyle, costumes by BrianWildsmith, visuals by Dave Robertson/SaraHornerand a musical score by Benjamin Britten, with songs by GinaLeishmanand BobFrankesung byRindeEckert.
Dec. 10-31. $35-$90per household.odc.dance/velveteenrabbit
Smuin Ballet Presents: The Christmas Ballet
2020 can’t stop “Santa Baby” from sauntering across the stage directly (well, virtually) to you at home. Live-streaming performances featuring premieres by Amy Seiwert, Ben Needham-Wood, Rex Wheeler and otherswill include new works and select favorites with company artists performing multiple programs live and direct from the studio, followed by a presentation of recorded works from previous performances.
Dec. 11-25, see website for schedule. $49. 415-912-1899.smuinballet.org/christmasballet
New Ballet Presents: The San Jose Nutcracker’s Home for the Holidays
After canceling plans for an abridged, live-streamed version of the holiday classic due to surging COVID-19 cases in the region, the company plans to offer a previously recorded performance of the full length ballet about Clara and the Nutcracker, filmed at the Hammer Theatre Center and featuring choreography by Dalia Rawson.
7 p.m. Dec. 12. $15 suggested donation, ticket holders will have access to the online performance through Dec. 31. 408-924-8501.newballet.com
Mark Morris Dance Group and Cal Performances Present: The Hard Nut’s Home for the Holidays special
For the December holidays,MMDGplans to present online performance excerpts from Morris’ humorous, gender-varied “Nutcracker” tribute, set to Tchaikovsky’s original score. To celebrate its 40th season, the ensemble has planned a week of “Hard Nut” themed activities, including a virtual “Family Day” co-sponsored by Cal Performances from 10 a.m.-noon on Dec. 12, featuring a performance screening of “Snow and Flowers,” dance classes with ensemble members, dancer meet and greets, a holiday sing-along with music director Colin Fowler and more.
Dec. 12-18; Family day 10 a.m.-noon Dec., 12. Free, registrationrequired. Donations encouraged.markmorrisdancegroup.org
The Moscow Ballet: Great Russian Nutcracker Christmas stream
Since the company won’t get to tour this year, take this opportunity to experience the Russian ballet’s virtual performance debut. Hear from the artists, designers and creators of the production, and watch the full performance captured live onstage.
8p.m. Dec. 19. Through Dec. 29. $25-$100.nutcracker.com
Diablo芭蕾:胡桃夹子套件
The company offerson-demand viewing of their 2020-21 season opening live-stream production of the holiday favorite with choreography by Julia Adam. The festive performance includes interviews with the dancers and behind-the-scenes footage.
Dec. 21-23. $35. 925-943-1775.diabloballet.org
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