Sacramento Ballet is proud to announce its 70th Anniversary Season, a milestone that highlights the company’s unwavering dedication to presenting world-class live dance performances. As the beating heart of Sacramento’s connection to the thriving international dance scene, Sacramento Ballet continues to attract and showcase some of the most sought-after choreographers in the world today. This season promises to be a celebration of both the past and the future, bringing together renowned artists alongside new voices, with our resident professional dancers hailing from across the nation and around the globe to share their talents with our community.
The 70th Anniversary Season features five extraordinary performances:
1. Michael Pink’s Dracula – Sponsored by Jim Hargrove
The season kicks off with the Sacramento premiere of Michael Pink’s Dracula, a haunting and masterful production that has captivated audiences around the world. Set to a dramatic score and featuring stunning choreography, this production of Dracula has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling and powerful performances. Sacramento audiences will have the rare opportunity to experience this iconic work at the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center.
2. Nutcracker – Sponsored by California Walnuts
A beloved holiday tradition returns with Sacramento Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker. This timeless classic promises to enchant audiences of all ages, accompanied by live music performed by the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera. Nutcracker is a festive spectacle that brings the magic of the holiday season to life, and this year promises to be more magical than ever.
3. World Premiere of Romeo and Juliet
Sacramento Ballet is honored to present the world premiere of Romeo and Juliet by acclaimed Korean choreographer Young Soon Hue. Known for her extraordinary ability to convey deep emotion through movement, Young Soon Hue has enjoyed a thriving international career, creating works for companies across the globe after retiring as a dancer with Frankfurt Ballet, Zürich Ballet, Basel Ballet, and Deutsche Oper am Rhein Düsseldorf/Duisburg Germany. Her fresh and innovative interpretation of this classic love story, accompanied by the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera, is sure to be a highlight of the season.
4. Visions
The season continues with Visions, a dynamic mixed repertory program featuring four world premieres by an incredible lineup of choreographers. Amy Hall Garner, a sought- after choreographer who has recently created works for the likes of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Miami City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre Second Company, and New York City Ballet, will present a new work that promises to be both bold and inspiring. Alfonso Palencia, Ballet Director and Chief Choreographer of the State Theater Ballet Bremerhaven in Germany, will debut his first work ever performed in the United States. Vietnamese-American choreographer Thang Dao, a recipient of the prestigious Princess Grace Choreography Fellowship, will bring his distinctive voice to the stage with a fresh piece. Finally, Sacramento’s own rising star, Julia Feldman, a recipient of New York City Ballet’s NY Choreographic Institute, will premiere a work that is sure to captivate audiences. *Visions* will be performed at The Sofia, Home of B Street.
5. Beer & Ballet
The season will culminate with the annual favorite Beer & Ballet, where Sacramento Ballet’s talented company dancers take on the role of choreographer, creating original works on their colleagues. This unique production offers audiences a chance to witness the creative process firsthand, while enjoying a complimentary glass of beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverage with each ticket. Beer & Ballet is a celebration of the innovative spirit and camaraderie that defines Sacramento Ballet.
The arts are more than just entertainment—they are a powerful force for personal and community transformation. Engaging with the arts has been shown to improve mental well-being, foster creativity, and build empathy, deeply enriching the personal lives of those who experience them. For individuals, the arts provide a means of expression, connection, and reflection, enhancing the human experience in profound ways. Sacramento Ballet’s 70th Anniversary is a testament to the enduring impact of the arts in our community. For seven decades, Sacramento Ballet has been a beacon of artistic excellence, shaping the cultural landscape of our city and offering transformative experiences to countless individuals. This milestone is not just a celebration of the past but a reaffirmation of our commitment to the future, as we continue to inspire, uplift, and connect with our audiences. On a broader scale, being part of a rich international cultural scene is vital for the growth and vibrancy of our city. Sacramento Ballet’s commitment to bringing world-class dance to our community ensures that Sacramento remains a dynamic hub for cultural exchange. By welcoming internationally renowned dancers and choreographers, Sacramento Ballet not only elevates the local arts scene but also brings global perspectives and innovations
to our doorstep, making high-caliber artistic experiences accessible to everyone. This connection to the global arts community enriches our cultural landscape and solidifies California’s capital as a thriving center for the arts.
Moreover, arts organizations like Sacramento Ballet play a crucial role in the economic vitality of the city. By generating millions of dollars in economic activity, such organizations support thousands of jobs, and attract scores of visitors, all of which contribute to the economic growth and cultural prestige of Sacramento. As the city’s premier professional dance company, Sacramento Ballet is not just an artistic institution but also a key player in fostering a vibrant, economically thriving community. Our 70th Anniversary is a powerful reminder of the essential role that the arts play in making Sacramento a vibrant and culturally rich city, both now and for generations to come.
