After all the recent economic hardship at the Sacramento Ballet, including the cancellation of the rest of the season, there is finally a glimmer of hope.

The dancers are committed to pursuing their careers -- even if it means dancing in alternative venues or in the group's practice space.

Following the success of Beer and Ballet, an encore of the performance has been scheduled in the month of February. There will also be abbreviated performances of Modern Masters and Noches Calientes. All of these performances will be held in a more intimate setting than the Ballet's usual venue, the Community Center Theatre. They will be held at the site of the Ballet's studio, located at 1631 K Street.

The news comes at a good time for supporters of the Sacramento Ballet. Last month the Sacramento Press reported that several Ballet employees left the organization, including executive director Kerri Warner. The company has suffered from shrinking audiences and declining corporate sponsorships. Ticket sales comprise approximately 80 percent of the company's operating revenue.

Ron Cunningham and Carinne Binda, the artistic co-directors of the ballet, pleaded in a recent press release for the community to "encourage others to help preserve the legacy of the Sacramento Ballet, and keep us dancing through the rain." For those who wish to help, there are three ways: Go to one of the intimate performances, donate refunds from the remaining season tickets, or send money directly to the studio.

Beer and Ballet dates are as follows:

Saturday, Feb. 21: 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 4th: 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 11th: 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 18th: 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Noches Calientes dates are as follows:

Friday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. - will be followed by a free one-hour tango lesson
Saturday, Feb. 7 at 5 p.m. - will be followed by a free one-hour salsa lesson

Modern Masters dates are as follows:

March 20, 7:30 p.m.
March 21, 7:30 p.m.
March 22, 2 p.m.
March 26, 7:30 p.m.
March 27, 7:30 p.m.
March 28, 7:30 p.m.
March 29, 2 p.m.
 

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