Sacramento Ballet The Nutcracker

December 9-23, 2023

SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center
1301 L Street
Sacramento, CA 
Tickets: $26-100+, sacballet.org | ticketmaster

December 9, 2023, 7 p.m.
December 10, 2023, 2 p.m.
December 15, 2023, 7 p.m.
December 16, 2023, 2 & 7 p.m. 
December 17, 2023, 2 p.m.
December 22, 2023, 7 p.m.
December 23, 2023, 2 & 7 p.m.

With classical music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, SacBallet's   staged production under direction of Artistic/Executive Director, Anthony Krutzkamp, features choreography by Sacramento hometown dancers Nicole Haskins, Colby Damon and Julia Feldman. 

The Nutcracker is the most beloved of all Sacramento traditions, and Crown Jewel of holiday entertainment. Clara's fearless battle with the Mouse King, the soaring Magic Balloon, the sparkling Snowflake Forest, Kingdom of the Sweets, and Sugar Plum Fairy for three decades have created cherished family memories.

• 200+ local dancers
• Sac Ballet's professional dancers
• Live orchestra at every performance
  SacBallet's Nutcracker 2023 will feature:
• Original choreography from three, nationally-recognized, hometown SacBallet artists Colby Damon, Julia Feldman and Nicole Haskins
• International dance professionals
• Classic sets by designer Alain Vaes; lighting design by Trad Burns
• Live orchestra every night from Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera
• Multiple lobby photo opportunities including giant-sized, larger-than-life 12-foot-tall Nutcracker soldier statue as well as strolling costumed ballerinas
• Nutcracker & Cinderella ticket giveaways on California Walnuts & SacBallet social pages, hashtags: #ANuttyHolidayTradition, #SacBalletNutcracker, #SacBallet, and #CaWalnuts:

Sacramento, Calif.-- Founded in 1954, Sacramento Ballet produces many ballet performances, but one of the most popular is certainly The Nutcracker Ballet. The Sacramento Ballet has delighted audiences for with its annual Nutcracker ballet performances featuring the finest talent, spectacular costumes and dynamic stage lighting that brings fantasy to life in Sacramento's world class presentation. It is part of a body of works that have included more than 13 full-length ballets, 36 Sacramento premieres, 34 world premieres and 18 Balanchine masterworks.

Artistic director Anthony Krutzkamp was a professional ballet dancer with Cincinnati Ballet and has performed such classical roles as Prince Desire in Sleeping Beauty, Prince Charming in Cinderella, Siegfried in Swan Lake, Shakriar in 1001 Nights, and Romeo in Romeo & Juliet. He danced the lead in works by George Balanchine. He retired from the Kansas City Ballet and served as Head of Kansas City Ballet's Second Company. He created and founded the Kansas City Dance Festival and Moving Arts Cincinnati  where he continues as Producing Artistic Director. 

Sacramento Ballet's Nutcracker consistently receives glowing reviews from audiences and media who often remark that they weren't aware such a gem exists, providing a cultural experience in the Sacramento area that's simply timeless. With over 100,000 fans annually attending performances, support for the ballet company includes not only enthusiastic audiences, but grants from prestigious foundations such as National Endowment for the Arts and California Arts Council, plus local organizations such as Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, as well.

The traditional Nutcracker performance, itself, is a fantasy trip about a little girl, Clara, who eagerly awaits Christmas. She is drawn into a journey where toys come to life in a story woven around these suddenly animate objects. The Nutcracker is the best known ballet in existence and a tradition throughout the US, providing entertainment for all ages. Its broad appeal spans all demographics, too. The Sacramento Ballet's goal to reach youth is fulfilled annually with several Nutcracker matinee performances specifically for kids.

For those visiting Sacramento or locals seeking a tradition to enjoy each holiday season, not only are you treated to the best talent on stage, but also live music by the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra. Sacramento Ballet traditionally offers several community meet & greet opportunities before The Nutcracker performances, the perfect way to introduce yourself and the kids or seniors in your life to the talented costumed dancers you may later see in a stage performance. Whether visiting, or residing locally in the Sacramento area, this special holiday offering is guaranteed to add magic to the season of joyful music and dance.