excited to be part of Sacramento Ballet, a cornerstone cultural institution founded in 1954... it is older then our club as well as Disneyland (70 years).
Summary
This transcript features an in-depth discussion led by Kira Anderson, the newly appointed Executive Director of Sacramento Ballet, detailing the institution's rich history, community involvement, and upcoming season. Anderson, a Sacramento native with over 20 years of experience in the arts and nonprofit sectors, emphasizes the ballet's unique structure comprising a school, a second company (an elite training program), and a main professional company. She highlights the legacy of Ron Cunningham, former artistic director who significantly elevated the company’s profile and recently passed away, with planned tributes in the upcoming season. The ballet's outreach programs aim to make ballet accessible to all ages and abilities, including children, adults, and older adults through initiatives like free falls prevention classes and sensory-friendly performances. The upcoming 2026-27 season, themed 'Legacy in Motion,' features a diverse repertoire from classical to contemporary works, including the iconic Nutcracker with expanded performances and accessibility features. Anderson also introduces Tit Helemitz as the new artistic director, noting his prestigious background. The conversation includes audience Q&A addressing common misconceptions about ballet, emphasizing its athleticism, diversity of styles, and community relevance. The dialogue underscores the importance of community support for the arts and the generational impact of ballet experiences. The session concludes with a donation announcement supporting Rotary’s polio eradication efforts, reflecting the community-oriented spirit of the event.
## History of Sacramento Ballet
- Founded in 1954 by Barbara Crockett, a Sacramento arts icon.
- Ron and Corrine Cunningham led the company from 1988 for 30 years.
- Under their leadership, the company grew from regional ensemble to internationally renowned professional company.
- Ron Cunningham recently passed away; upcoming season will honor his legacy.
- Cunningham launched the School of Sacramento Ballet, serving hundreds yearly.
## Structure of Sacramento Ballet
### Main Company
- 25 dancers from across the world, living and working full-time in Sacramento.
- Unique for Sacramento to have a full-time international ballet company.
- Dancers are highly skilled and dedicated to their craft.
### Second Company (Elite Training Program)
- About 24 artists, typically aged 18-22.
- Acts as a bridge between the school and main company.
- Provides year-round training and performance opportunities.
- No strict age limit; many move on to professional companies or join the main company.
### School
- Serves 380 families.
- Classes range from age 2 to older adults.
- Adult programs include beginner to advanced and a specialized program for older adults.
## Nutcracker and Community Involvement
- Nutcracker features about 250 local children performing with professionals.
- Takes place at Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center downtown.
- Provides exposure to arts and professional discipline.
- Builds lifelong appreciation for ballet.
## Outreach Programs
- Aim to make ballet accessible and inclusive.
- Programs include:
- **Arts Up Front:** Creative workforce program for teens and middle schoolers; exposes youth to arts careers beyond performing.
- **Big Brothers Big Sisters Nutcracker Experience:** Luncheon and meet-and-greet with dancers.
- **School Enrichment Assemblies:** Ballet presentations in schools.
- **Falls Prevention Program:** Free weekly classes for older adults focused on strength, stability, and community building; addresses social isolation.
## Upcoming 2026-27 Season: "Legacy in Motion"
### Theme
- Honors the legacy of Ron Cunningham and the institution's 72-year history.
- Emphasizes evolution and audience engagement.
### Fall Season
- Mixed repertoire program with 3-4 shorter ballets ranging from classical to contemporary.
- Featured works:
- "Long and Winding Road" by Stanton Welch, featuring a baroque Beatles score.
- A Balanchine piece (details pending).
- A classic Ron Cunningham piece (details pending).
- Nutcracker extended with three additional performances and an extra school matinee.
- Introduction of a sensory-friendly Nutcracker performance for neurodivergent audiences.
### Spring Season
- Mixed rep program "Wild Sweet Love" by Trey McIntyre, celebrating its 20th anniversary.
- Features choreography by Julia Feldman, a Sacramento native and principal dancer, gaining national recognition.
- Full-length ballet "Giselle," a hauntingly romantic and iconic piece.
- "Beer and Ballet" event showcasing choreography by company dancers in a relaxed setting with complimentary beer or wine.
### New Artistic Director
- Tit Helemitz, former principal dancer with San Francisco Ballet for 20 years.
- Highly respected in the ballet community.
- Selected as the perfect fit for the company's future direction.
## Current Season Performances Remaining
- Family series featuring the second company performing "Peter Rabbit" at McClatchy High School on April 11-12.
- "Beer and Ballet" event at the Sofia, home of B Street Theater, in late May.
## Audience Engagement and Q&A Highlights
### Addressing Ballet Skepticism
- Mixed rep programs offer shorter, diverse pieces to appeal to varied interests.
- Ballet dancers are elite athletes requiring rigorous training and nutrition.
- Ballet offers multi-sensory experiences with physicality, music, and storytelling.
### Family and Youth Engagement
- Family series and school recitals provide accessible introductions to ballet.
- Other local arts organizations like Broadway Sacramento and B Street Theater offer family-friendly programming.
### Personal Favorites
- Kira’s favorite ballets include "Firebird" (first ballet she saw) and "Sleeping Beauty" (memories with grandmother).
### Legacy and Community Importance
- Ballet is a multi-generational experience creating lasting family memories.
- Audience presence signals community support and importance of arts institutions.
### Additional Notes
- Possible auction of walk-on roles in Nutcracker.
- Club plans to attend "Beer and Ballet" event together.
- Donation made to End Polio Now in Kira’s name to support Rotary’s global polio eradication efforts.
## Closing Remarks
- Appreciation for support from community and Rotary club.
- Encouragement to attend performances and support the arts.
- Emphasis on the cultural and social value of Sacramento Ballet.
