Santa Barbara’s treasured holiday tradition is back!
Evelyn Mills. Photos by Fritz Olenberger.
SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Festival Ballet presents The Nutcracker, at The Arlington Theatre for three dazzling live performances Saturday and Sunday, December 11-12.
“After a year’s hiatus, we’re thrilled to be celebrating our 46th anniversary with a brilliant ensemble and world-renowned guest artists from Dance Theatre of Harlem,” said Valerie Huston, SBFB Resident Choreographer and Interim Executive Director. “We adapted during the pandemic with zoom classes and parking lot practices which kept us on pointe to deliver our most spectacular showcase ever.”
Creating holiday memories for all ages, the enchanting production features stunning sets and costumes with a full symphony orchestra bringing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score to life. A cast of hundreds takes audiences on a magical journey with heroine Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Nutcracker, and the Mouse King, where dancing tin soldiers, mischievous mice, sparkling snowflakes and waltzing flowers add an unforgettable spark to this time-honored fantasy.
Alexandra Hutchinson.
The beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier are a highlight of Clara’s adventure, performed by acclaimed guest artists Alexandra Hutchinson and Kouadio Davis from Dance Theater of Harlem. The role of Clara will be danced by Evelyn Mills, joined by a gifted ensemble of students from UCSB and SBFB. Elise Unruh conducts the live orchestra.
Nutcracker performances get underway Saturday, December 11th at 2:30pm and 7:00pm, and Sunday, December 12 at 2:30pm. Following state Covid protocols and safety guidelines, patrons over 12 years of age are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result within a 72-hour window. Tickets range in price from $35 to $58 and can be purchased online at santabarbarafestivalballet.com or the Arlington Box Office at 805/ 963-4408. Discounts apply to groups of 10 or more.
Santa Barbara Festival Ballet presents The Nutcracker
December 11, 12, 2021
Legendary Arlington Theatre
1317 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
*The Santa Barbara Festival Ballet was incorporated as a public Non-Profit California Corporation in 1974.The performing company and school is dedicated to providing dance training, education, and mentorship of young artists with a specific, age appropriate curriculum with graded levels in a nurturing learning environment. As an outstanding source of cultural enrichment for the community, SBFB is committed to an enriching scholarship program that makes dance accessible to all students, no matter their financial resources. The standard of teaching is of paramount importance; instructors have more than 100 years of combined teaching expertise. Resident Choreographer and Interim Executive Director Valerie Huston holds a BFA in Ballet and is currently a Senior Lecturer in Ballet and Vice Chair in the Department of Theater and Dance at UC Santa Barbara. Denise Rinaldi serves as SBFB Conservatory Director. She holds a fellowship (highest teaching qualification awarded) and has been a Director of SBFB for more than 30 years, earning numerous accolades and awards.