Coming Soon: Los Gatos Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'

What happens when two organizations packed with young talent come together? “Perfection!” So says Marcie Ryken, Director of Los Gatos Ballet, and artistic Director of Los Gatos Ballet’s brand new production of The Nutcracker.

The superbly gifted musicians of the San Jose Youth Symphony will join the talented dancers of Los Gatos Ballet for the inaugural year of this spectacular production.

“Collaboration with other arts organizations is part of our mission. I’m delighted to have forged a new relationship with the San Jose Youth Symphony. It is rare that young dancers have the opportunity to perform with a live orchestra, and it is even more unusual for young musicians to have an opportunity to provide the music for dancers on stage. It is a unique opportunity for both our organizations.”

Los Gatos Ballet is known for its high caliber classical ballet training and for its lavish full-length ballet productions, including Swan Lake, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty.

After a decade of directing The Nutcracker, performed in collaboration with another organization at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, Marcie felt the timing was right to put her own mark on this timeless classic. Joining the cast of 145 young dancers on stage will be professional guest artists from San Francisco Ballet and Ballet San Jose, including the beautiful Sarah Van Patten and dashing Carlos Quenedit, principal dancers with San Francisco Ballet.

The San Jose Youth Symphony, conducted by Yair Samet, is the premiere youth orchestra in the Silicon Valley.

These highly talented young musicians (membership is by audition or invitation only) perform regularly in various venues throughout the Bay Area, as well as on their biannual international tour.

PERFORMANCE INFO Flint Center for the Performing Arts

Friday, December 5, 10:30 AM (Outreach Performance) & 7:30 PM

Saturday, December 6, 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Sunday, December 7, 2:00 PM

TICKETS: Ticketmaster.com

INFO: LosGatosBallet.org