For ballet enthusiasts and those new to the experience, this is one presentation that should not be missed. Ron Cunningham’s “The Nutcracker” is a traditional interpretation of the ballet he’s been directing for 24 years in Sacramento. Visually stunning sets create the scene for a ballet performance that will delight young and old alike. Accompanied by the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra, this holiday classic boasts performers of all ages, with over 500 children, including Molly O’Dell,10, playing Clara. O’Dell’s enthusiasm is infectious as she, along with her Nutcracker Prince, takes the journey from a joyous Christmas Eve into an enchanting dreamland. The first act is charming and

Sacramento’s young professionals are invited to attend United Way’s unique twist on a networking event. Sacramentans can enjoy drinks and appetizers while learning about the origin of ballet at United Way’s Emerging Leaders Fall Event on Nov. 10. Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet will present a costumed Ballet 101 demonstration at the event as well as a sneak peek at the group’s production of “The Nutcracker.” The event will take place 5:30-7 p.m. at Lounge ON20, 1050 20th Street in Sacramento. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at www.yourlocalunitedway.org. Proceeds will benefit United Way California Capital Region and its nonprofit partners working on high school graduation rates,

Fifteen semi-trailers for sound stage, all bedecked in red and white, brought Radio City Music Hall's Rockettes to Sacramento. Wedensday, the Rockettes went out to dance in Sacramento for Christmas on a national 35-city tour. Right as the red curtains went up, the crowd started buzzing, and they were off, first the legs, then the whole row of dancers came out to give the crowd what it was waiting for. With a cheesy Santa cheering up the crowd and the dancers dressed as reindeer in glowing antlers, the show began. The sound stage and setup were two of the most spectacular parts about the show, from LED projection screens giving a history of the Rockettes and their time with Radio City Mu

written by Sam Ainley-Zoll, 12 years old I remember the first year I auditioned for Ron Cunningham’s, “The Nutcracker.” There were a lot of kids outside of the Sacramento Ballet studio. I didn’t know at the time that almost 500 children would receive roles to dance and perform in one of Sacramento’s greatest Christmas traditions. That day, I auditioned to be one of Mother Ginger’s Children. I was 7 years old and remember entering the building filled with people. I thought about how my mom told me that I had to be well-behaved to be chosen by Mr. Cunningham. I remember a nice lady measured how tall I was. I hoped I was the right height. For what? I didn’t know. I didn t know if I should

Photographs by Barry Wisdom   Whether you’re continuing a lifelong Christmastime tradition or you’re a new “Black Swan” fan who’s come late to the ballet-appreciation party, there is something for everyone in Sacramento Ballet’s alternatingly funny and passionate, but always mesmerizing and magical “The Nutcracker,” which opened Friday evening at the Sacramento Community Center Theater. Blessed with live accompaniment of Tchaikovsky’s familiar score by the spectacular Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra, there is much that can be considered divine about this delicious holiday chestnut. In addition to philharmonic director Henrik Jul Hansen’s sure baton, reasons to leap for joy include Sa

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, Sacrame

The executive director of the Sacramento Ballet has resigned. Kerri Warner quietly left the troubled organization about a week ago, according to sources within the organization who asked to remain anonymous. The reason for Warner's resignation remains unclear. An employee said that there was a "difference of opinion on how to handle the financial situation, and Kerri decided to respectfully step away."  The Sacramento Press was unable to reach Warner, and Ron Cunningham, the organization's artistic director and public face did not return calls.  The Sacramento Ballet, which has gone through recent struggles with ticket sales, now needs major corporate funding in order to return to a ful