State Street Ballet’s Nutcracker at The Granada Theatre

State Street Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ returns to The Granada

Three performances — December 15–16 — feature State Street Ballet, more than 100 Gustafson Dance students, Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra, and Matilija Junior High Chamber Choir

The Nutcracker at The Granada brings together State Street Ballet (a Granada Theatre resident

company), more than 100 students from Gustafson Dance, and musicians and singers from the surrounding counties to perform this time-honored classic. Opulent sets from Russia, a gigantic Christmas tree, elegant costuming, and The Granada’s period-perfect architecture set the stage for holiday magic.

For 24 years, State Street Ballet has been dedicated to outreach and education, and they see The Nutcracker as the ideal production to foster community participation. The company’s dancers

team up with talented students to provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young dancers. Sharing the stage is a unique and wonderful experience for both student and professional, and creates invaluable learning and mentoring possibilities.

This year’s Nutcracker is particularly important to Gustafson Dance students who were disappointed by 2017 show cancellations due to the Thomas fire. These students work diligently; many train throughout their elementary and high school years, hoping to dance a featured role. Isabella Fuentes, first cast as Clara for last year’s production, will get a make-good on her dream with this year’s performances, as will many other dance students, supportive families, musicians, singers, and holiday theatre-goers.    

Artistic Directors Rodney Gustafson and William Soleau are proud of their company not only fosters local arts outreach but also serves as cultural ambassadors for the city of Santa Barbara. State Street Ballet performs throughout the country, incorporating local dance students and musicians in many performances, and offering educational opportunities through master classes and community dance lessons. This holiday season, State Street Ballet’s performance in Santa Barbara comes at the end of their Nutcracker tour of Fresno, Spokane, and Durango for audiences ranging from 2,400 to more than 10,000.

‘Nutcracker’ performances are Saturday, December 15, at 2:00 and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, December 16, at 2:00 pm. Tickets are available atgranadasb.org or The Granada box office, 805.899.2222. 

ABOUT THE COMPANY

State Street Ballet is a vibrant, innovative dance company under the artistic direction of Rodney Gustafson and William Soleau. Based in Santa Barbara, California, the company was founded in 1994 and remains dedicated to promoting original dance through public performances and educational outreach programs, touring both domestically and internationally. State Street Ballet is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization.

FOR CALENDAR LISTINGS:

• State Street Ballet’s original production of The Nutcracker, performed with the students Gustafson Dance, accompanied by Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra, conducted by Brian Asher Alhadeff, with Matilija Junior High Chamber Choir

• Choreography by State Street Ballet Artistic Director Rodney Gustafson, with additional choreography by Marina Fliagina, Gary McKenzie, and Megan Philipp

• Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

• Saturday, December 15, at 2:00 and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, December 16, at 2:00 pm

• The Granada Theatre, 1214 State Street

• Tickets at www.granadasb.org, or 805.899.2222, or at The Granada box office

• Ticket prices: $36; $46; $56; $104. Children 12 and under, $24. Discounts for groups of 10 or more.