Sacramento Ballet has narrowly survived its budget crisis. After canceling the remainder of the 2008-2009 season last January, the ballet will dance on another season.

"We're excited and thrilled to have made it through the crisis, and we've put together a program!" said Mimi Kent, the ballet's marketing director.

Credit the work ethic of the dancers. After the season was canceled, they organized and executed their own fundraising campaign while continuing with a number of in-studio performances.

On top of that, they took a 10 percent pay cut last season which has now been restored. In one silent auction, they raised about $20,000 for the organization.

For the 2009-2010 season, Sacramento Ballet has lowered their ticket prices. As part of the effort to be more fiscally responsible, they've also added new smaller venues.

"[The new season] is just trying to appeal to the masses by offering ticket prices that don't scare people off," Kent said. "We've done a lot of cost-cutting, and we've got a massive subscription [effort] going on."

No longer will all the shows be held in the expensive Community Center Theater in the Sacramento Convention Center. Shows will be held at the Crest Theatre, the University Theater in Shasta Hall at Sacramento State and the Sacramento Ballet's studio at 1631 K St.

Also expanding is the ballet's repertoire. The program features something for everyone: a choreography competition, classics like the Nutcracker, and the epic Carmina Burana.

"We had a wide variety of people who came to our rescue," Kent said. "They wanted to see more contemporary works and get to know the ballet a little better -- not everybody is into classic ballet."

Because the dancers have yet to sign contracts for the season, they were not available for comment.

The following is the program for the new season:

Capital Choreography Competition
Three world premieres from top talent in the dance world battle for recognition and cash awards. After a distinguished panel of judges pick the winners, the audience selects the “people’s choice” by popular vote.

Where: Crest Theatre, 1013 K St.
When: October 17 and 24, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $25 to $35

Peter & the Wolf
An interactive afternoon of fun activities with dancers of the Sacramento Ballet including a performance of Peter & the Wolf, the world’s most famous children’s ballet. A celebrity guest narrates the charming tale choreographed by Ron Cunningham to the delightful music of Sergei Prokofiev. Join Peter, Cat and Bird as they capture the Big Bad Wolf and take him to the zoo!

Where: Crest Theatre, 1013 K St.
When: October 24 3 p.m.
Tickets: $15 (children), $25 (adults)

Ron Cunningham’s The Nutcracker
Opening night of The Nutcracker is the 500th performances of Ron Cunningham’s magical rendition of this timeless classic. Be swept away by the beautiful music of Peter Tchaikovsky’s music as you visit the enchanted Snowflake Forest and scrumptious Land of the Sweets. All performances of this beloved tradition are accompanied by the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra.

Where: Community Center Theater, 1301 L St.
When: December 10 to 23, time to be announced
Tickets: $15 to $68

Nutcracker Sweet Sunday
Special matinee event: Enjoy the magic of The Nutcracker, then join the cast and characters in the lobby for juice and cookies. Walk on stage in the Land of the Sweets, meet and greet the dancers and take your picture with the Sugar Plum Fairy and other characters from the ballet! Appropriate for all ages.

Where: Community Center Theater, 1301 L St.
When: December 13, 1 p.m.
Tickets: $37.50 (children 12 and under), $75 (adults), no child discount in Grand Tier Box

Nine Sinatra Songs
Celebrate Valentine’s weekend to the velvet voice of “Ol’ Blue Eyes” in the sophisticated and elegant Nine Sinatra Songs by Tony-award winner Twyla Tharp. Included on the program is Trey McIntyre’s joyous and spiritually uplifting "Second Before the Ground" set to the African-inspired music of the renowned Kronos Quartet, and the spectacular "Frankie & Johnny" by Michael Smuin, another Tony-award winning choreographer, who places the legendary lovers in sultry Havana to the beat of hot Latin rhythms. Suggested for mature audiences.

Where: Community Center Theater, 1301 L St.
When: February 11 to 14, 2010, time to be announced
Tickets: $15 to $63

Carmina Burana
Ron Cunningham’s epic, larger-than-life spectacle to the soaring music of Carl Orff is the signature masterpiece of the Sacramento Ballet. Complete with full chorus and orchestra, Carmina Burana’s erotic passion ignites the senses for an intense experience not soon forgotten. The genius of George Balanchine’s magnificent theme and variations completes a perfect evening to the glorious music of Peter Tchaikovsky.

Where: Community Center Theater, 1301 L St.
When: March 25 to 28, 2010, time to be announced
Tickets: $15 to $63

Modern Masters
Catch the next wave as daring, innovative choreographers unleash their imaginations in new works of astonishing creativity. See the most talked-about new voices in American dance in an explosion of creativity from the edge. Five world premieres will bowl you over with fresh new concepts and ideas as diverse as the wide universe of dance.

Where: University Theatre in Shasta Hall, Sacramento State, 6000 J St.
When: April 22 to 25, 2010, time to be announced
Tickets: $40

Encore at Mondavi
Join us for a celebration of the best of the Sacramento Ballet in a special performance sponsored by the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. A champagne and dessert reception following the performance is included in the price.

Where: Studio Theatre at the Mondavi Center, 9399 Old Davis Road, Davis
When: April 2, 2010, 5:30 p.m.
Tickets: $100 (includes reception), available only through the Mondavi Center Box Office.

In-Studio Performances
Details will be released at sacballet.org during the season.

*Permission to use photo granted by Sacramento Ballet. Photo is credited to Keith Sutter.