Nutcracker ReImagined

Music by Peter I. Tchaikovsky

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This extraordinary year has been filled with change for everyone around the world. Reflecting  back I can’t count how many times we all have had to pivot, change directions and plans. In  the spirit of dance, the language of the soul, we have done it! When Covid-19 closed our  doors in March I never dreamed we would still be out of the studios 9 months later. I took over  the Artistic Directorship of Benicia Ballet Theatre in April with plans for in-person summer  Intensives which ultimately weren’t able to come to fruition due to tightening Covid-19  restrictions and in mid August I assumed responsibility for the school. In July when the Arsenal  informed me they would not renew our lease in September I again was left wondering what to  do. With my husband’s support he encouraged me to move forward. His words of wisdom, “If  you don’t you will always wonder.” We found a new location and moved the school that had  been in the Arsenal since 1986. My husband built the Outdoor Studio when Covid-19 kept us  from having classes indoors and he continues to modify the space to adapt to changing  conditions. While we wait for the opportunity to enjoy our 2 beautiful studios indoors the  dancers keep bundled up and dancing. My heart is warmed every time I step outside and hear  the quiet chatter of the dancers and see them preparing for class. Each and everyone is  amazing! 

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Nutcracker ReImagined is the culmination of a collaborative effort of the entire Benicia Ballet  community. It has been a whirlwind of activity, planning, fast paced rehearsals, mask making to match costumes and more pivoting as Covid-19 took us back to the purple tier just the week before we were to film leaving us once again making last minute changes to our plans. In true Benicia Ballet flexibility we pulled together, made the necessary adjustments and danced with resilience through the filming on a single, chilly evening. The dancer’s sparkled as brightly  as the stars. I want to make special mention of Jacquelyn Zilka our Associated Artistic Director  who without her generous spirit, support and get-the-job-done attitude, this production would  not have been possible. I would also like to thank Louie Dela Cruz of 7DC Studios for his  videography and editing skills and moving seamlessly through all of the changes of direction.  Finally, I would like to thank Jeanette Hunter for her costuming skills and boundless dedication  that have our dancers costumed so beautifully. From all of us, the Benicia Ballet Community,  we hope you enjoy the show as much as we enjoyed the process of making it!

From Teresa Taylor,

Benicia Ballet Theatre's Artistic Director: 

Benicia Ballet Theatre extends its sincere thanks to Mr. Peter Lichty for his continued support of BBT. 

Photos of this production are available on prouddad.smugmug.com. Proceeds from all orders are donated back to BBT.

We would also like to thank Leslie Rowley from                                      

for collaborating in our shared outdoor studio, being a good neighbor, and in her continued support of our program.

CAST

Text adaptation from the book "Of Swans, Sugarplums and Satin Slippers" by Violette Verdy.

Mirlitons adapted from choreography by Robbie Nichols and Sally Street.

We could not have done it without the generous help of our sponsors:

Patron

Silver

Renee Albrecht

Karen S. Braun

Richard Bruns

April Reid

Tracy Rodgers

Kayoko Stewart

Grace Yumae

Teri Yumae

Diane Coffman

Alexandra Mead

Gold

Ashley Worsham 

Leslie Rowley / Jazzercise

Diamond

Peter Lichty

Heather Ziemer

This performance was previously recorded on our outdoor stage with masked dancers, or within one's own socially isolated home. Benicia Ballet Theatre extends its sincere thanks to The Mitchell family for allowing us to safely film at their house.

Benicia Ballet Theatre's Holiday Wish List

Please donate items from BBT's wish list created on Amazon.com.

Please use Smile.Amazon.com any time you purchase items on Amazon, to help out your favorite non-profit.

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There are also items specific to our needs that Amazon doesn't carry, listed below.

- Grey Marly Floor tape from Stage Step or Rosco -  10 Rolls

- Stage Step Floor Disinfectant  -  5 gallons

- 3x5 Outdoor Rugs with Rubber backing  -  3

- Money towards a sign -  We have the sign board that has lighting.  The estimate for a Benicia Ballet sign was about $1,200.

- More Floor tiles like the ones by the outdoor studio

- Collapsable Awning  - 2 (we have been using Alexis's)

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These items can be dropped off at the studio during class time, or call 707.746.6757 to arrange a time

A special thank you always to the 2020 Benicia Board of Directors, who helped catapult this event into existence.

Heather Ziemer        Monica Estenson        Jeanette Hunter        Reggie Mitchell        Amanda Toy        Theresa Vohra