photographs by Barry Wisdom /
The beautiful thing about ballet is that you don’t need to know the difference between a pirouette and a pierogi to enjoy and appreciate the aesthetic and athletic artistry involved.
Proof of that came through in the mainstream success of 2010’s "Black Swan," the Oscar-winning psychological thriller set in the world of professional ballet.
But long before that dark film debuted, families that knew little of ballet had been making "The Nutcracker" one of their annual holiday traditions, like heading north to cut down a Chrismas tree, gathering around the kitchen island to bake festively decorated sugar cookies or watching "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" on the cathode-ray tube.
For 25 years, the lavish sets, colorful costumes, breathtaking effects, and Tchaikovsky’s now-familiar score have combined with co-artistic director Ron Cunningham’s elegant choreography to deliver a yuletide treat to Sacramento Ballet fans.
The 2012 production, now on stage at the Commmunity Center Theatre, plays through Dec. 23 with performances set for:
Dec. 9 • 1 p.m.
Dec. 14 • 7 p.m.
Dec. 15 • 2 and 7 p.m.
Dec. 16 • 1 and 5 p.m.
Dec. 21 • 7 p.m.
Dec. 22 • 2 and 7 p.m.
Dec. 23 • 1 and 5 p.m.
For more ticket information, click here, or call (916) 552-5800 ext. 2.
Here’s a look at the 2012 production via dress rehearsal photographs. To view additional images, see the slideshow above, or go to Barry Wisdom’s complete image gallery by clicking here.
