Did you know that in addition to have an orchestra and an opera company that Los Angeles has its own ballet company? Los Angeles Ballet has been around for X years. And while it might seem like there are a dozen productions of The Nutcracker going on this year, the one to see the Los Angeles Ballet production. The show has been playing since early this month at multiple venues, but concludes its run with six performances at UCLA’s Royce Hall beginning on Saturday afternoon.
What makes this production so special? Frankly, it’s ours. It’s created here in Los Angeles and it features dancers and a creative team that make their home here as well. This production of the well-known classic is set in Los Angeles in 1913.
Los Angeles Ballet isn’t as well known as it should be. The company is 14 years old and specializes in the works of choreographer George Ballanchine. They also make a lot of efforts to do outreach to underserved communities and patrons.
While you might be seduced to go to bigger companies with bigger names, perhaps this holiday season it’s time to shop locally!
All photos by Reed Hutchinson