SAN FRANCISCO—On August 24, the San Francisco Ballet announced that the company will not be holding its annual live, in-person “Nutcracker” performance due to health restrictions from COVID-19.
The San Francisco Ballet posted a tweet which announced the decision: “SF Ballet’s Nutcracker will not be seen live this December. We’re currently thinking about how to share this holiday tradition virtually-and we want to hear from you!”
The SF Ballet posted a survey, offering the public an opportunity to share their ideas on alternative ways that company can share performances to the public this holiday season.
“Nutcracker is a tradition that I look forward to each year. Even though we will not be able to experience Nutcracker in person this year due to the health crisis, I know San Francisco Ballet will be a part of the Bay Area’s holiday tradition, maybe digitally or through other creative avenues,” said San Francisco Ballet’s Artistic Director and Principal Choreographer, Helgi Tomasson, in a public statement.
“I know it is a great disappointment for the students not to be able to perform in Nutcracker. It is such a wonderful opportunity for them to perform on stage with the Company, and something that our School families look forward to as part of the holiday celebration each season. At this time we must put their health and wellbeing as the first priority, but we will look forward to being back together in our beautiful theater when we can,” said SF Ballet School Director Patrick Armand in a press release.
The San Francisco Ballet debuted America’s first complete performance of the “Nutcracker” in 1944. Last year’s 2019 performance marked their 75th anniversary of the annual tradition. The performance attracts more than 75,000 audience members to the Opera House each December.
More information regarding digital plans for holiday productions and events in 2020 will be announced at a later date.
