'Nutcracker' is a heart-stirring ballet, but also an industry

"Nutcracker" is a many-splendored thing: a ballet, yes, but also an industry, a tradition, an employment and career opportunity, an eye- and heart-opening experience for generations of children.

"I had the wonderful opportunity to dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with several great partners during my years there . I always viewed this role as a special introduction to ballet for young children. Of the music, S.F. Ballet Music Director Martin West, who has conducted hundreds of performances over the years — and is in the pit again this season — said:"Far from being a chore, conducting Tchaikovsky's astonishing score over and over is one of my true pleasures. Every year I am amazed how much there is still to discover in this masterpiece."

As World War II came to its conclusion in the Pacific, soldiers on leave and even some of those treated at Letterman Hospital received complimentary admission to the Opera House. During one of my visits over 40 seasons, a dozen years ago, I asked Jiwon Baxter, then 7, about her"Nutcracker" experience. Jiwon’s favorite was "a lot of pretty music," but she found the fight with the Mouse King too scary."But I like it when Dr. Drosselmeyer does magic and turns the lights on. I like it when Clara and the Nutcracker go into the Land of Sweets and I like the twinkling snow fairies and the Waltz of the Flowers.

In the case of S.F. Ballet, the expected income may amount to over $2 million , helping with the company’s $56 million budget. This estimate takes into account the War Memorial’s new capacity of 3,006 — after replacing all seats and reconfiguring the orchestra — and 33 performances, with prices ranging from $19 to $495 in the usually capacity-occupied theater.

United States United States Latest News, United States United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Why the labor shortage is likely to continue in 2023 - San Francisco Business TimesThere are just a small number of cracks in an otherwise strong market for employees. Experts say it will affect employers' hiring in 2023.
Source: SFBusinessTimes - 🏆 78. / 68 Read more »

Residential rents in San Francisco are still below pre-pandemic rates, and a full recovery may be a while out - San Francisco Business TimesZipcode-level data shows there are neighborhoods where rental rates have ticked up since the pandemic's onset. But areas where rents have declined are missing a key demographic of renters.
Source: SFBusinessTimes - 🏆 78. / 68 Read more »

OneTen, National Student Clearinghouse team up on employment of Black Americans - San Francisco Business TimesOneTen currently works with over 70 companies across industries, including many household names such as Bank of America Corp., Deloitte LLP, Walmart Inc., Nike Inc. and General Motors Corp.
Source: SFBusinessTimes - 🏆 78. / 68 Read more »