The Santa Monica College (SMC) Public Policy Institute (PPI) and the Westside School of Ballet will host live, in-theater performances of Tchaikovsky’s“The Nutcracker” Ballet Nov. 30-Dec. 8. Holiday performances to entertain audiences of all ages will be held at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 1 and Dec. 8. In partnership with SMMUSD, special performances for fifth graders — designed to give them the opportunity to learn about classical ballet and the music of Tchaikovsky — will also be offered (details available by sending email to ppi@smc.edu).
All performances are at The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center (1310 11th Street, Santa Monica). Ticket details are available at westsideballet.com. Free onsite parking.
The SMC Nutcracker Symphony and SMC dancers — in partnership with the Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Initiative — will join Westside Ballet for the annual holiday extravaganza featuring Tchaikovsky’s majestic score, Balanchine’s exuberant choreography, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Prince, falling snow, and a Christmas tree that grows.
“PPI is especially proud of our partnership with SMMUSD to make it possible for all fifth grade classes to participate in a field trip to The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage,” said PPI co-director and SMC political science professor Dr. Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein. “For many students, it is their first exposure to classical music and to the art of ballet. Many of the performers are students in SMMUSD, giving the fifth graders a wonderful sense of connection and of the importance of the arts.”
All presentations and performances are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
The SMC Public Policy Institute provides nonpartisan community programs exploring key economic, social, and political issues. SMC offers an Associate degree and Certificate of Achievement inpublic policy, and students can specialize in one of five public policy areas:arts and cultural affairs, education, environment and sustainability, public health, and urban/socioeconomic issues.
The “Nutcracker” performances areco-sponsored by a wide range of education, government, and community organizations and donors, including City of Santa Monica, County of Los Angeles, Associated Students of Santa Monica College, SMC Associates, Westside School of Ballet, SMC Dance Department, and SMC Music Department.
