Wave of 'Nutcracker' cancellations hits dance companies hard

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The coronavirus pandemic has cancelled performances of “The Nutcracker” around the U.S. and Canada, eliminating a major and reliable source of revenue for dance companies already reeling financially following the essential shutdown of their industry.

Ballet student Micah Sparrow dances in a classroom at the Texas Ballet Theatre, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, in Fort Worth, Texas. For many, it's not Christmas without the dance of Clara, Uncle Drosselmeyer, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King and, of course, the Nutcracker Prince. But this year the coronavirus pandemic has canceled performances of “The Nutcracker” around the U.S.

The cancellations have meant layoffs, furloughs and salary cuts, with companies relying heavily- sometimes exclusively - on fundraising to stay afloat. Beyond their financial importance, “Nutcracker” performances are also a crucial marketing tool for dance companies, company directors say.Children often enrol in classes for the chance to dance in the performances as mice, young partygoers and angels, among other supporting roles.

The economic vulnerability inherent in arts organizations is exacerbated when they rely on a major seasonal event - like “The Nutcracker” - for large portions of revenue, said Amir Pasic, dean of the School of Philanthropy at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. The cost of the digital equipment needed to record broadcast quality performances has been a sticking point for companies in the past, said Amy Fitterer, executive director of Dance/USA, a dance service and advocacy organization. Now, companies are working on ways to access such equipment to prepare for a hybrid future of performances, she said.

 

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