3 holiday dance classics go online
Smuin Contemporary Ballet and ODC/ Dance have for years been delivering two of the Bay Area’s most beloved holiday dance shows. Luckily, both productions will be offered online this year. Meanwhile, San Jose’s 4-year-old New Ballet is also offering a virtual take on its “San Jose Nutcracker.” Here’s a look.
Smuin Contemporary Ballet: The company’s sassy, sweet and sumptuous “Christmas Ballet” turns 25 this year and will be presented in a fashion that founder the late Michael Smuin probably never envisioned. The production features three separate livestreamed programs that have “pods” of Smuin dancers performing holiday favorites (yes, “Santa Baby” is in the mix) as well as new works from Amy Seiwert, Rex Wheeler and Emmy Award-winner Ben Needham-Wood. Details: Friday-Dec. 24; $49-$139; see website for full schedule and information on ticket packages, special events such as cocktail parties, and extras (Smuin-designed masks, anyone?); www. smuinballet.org.
ODC/Dance: What a brilliant idea — turning Margery Williams’ beloved 1922 kids book about a stuffed toy rabbit that dreams of becoming “real” through the love of its owner into a holiday dance production. ODC has been performing this show for 34 years and is offering a streamed version with recorded narration by Geoff Hoyle, delightful costumes by Brian Wildsmith and a musical score by Benjamin Britten. There are interactive elements added to the streaming show and some ticket packages include such extras as an activities book an even a plush toy rabbit. Details: Today through Dec. 31; $35-$90; schedule, tickets and more information are at odc.dance/ velveteenrabbit.
New Ballet: Company artistic and executive director Dalia Rawson’s take on the holiday classic will be streamed beginning this weekend in a show recorded at the Hammer Theatre Center and spiced up with oodles of Silicon Valley scenes and references. Details: 7 p.m. Saturday, production will be available on demand through Dec. 31; pay-what-you-can; www.hammertheatre.com.