Smuin Returns to Live, In-theatre Performances

Fiercely festive, with a little something for everyone—that’s Smuin’s “The Christmas Ballet!” After 21 months of virtual and outdoor performances, San Francisco’s premier contemporary ballet company will return with live, in-theatre performances of its beloved holiday program around the Bay Area (Mountain View, Carmel, San Francisco).

Set to holiday tunes and featuring ballet, tap, jazz, and swing, two acts are packed with both breathtaking classical ballet and festive contemporary numbers. Along with the unveiling of two stunning world premieres, this year’s edition of “The Christmas Ballet” includes many fan favorites, such as the everpopular “Santa Baby” number, featuring the “world’s longest feather boa.”

The first act, Classical Christmas, shows off the company’s classical style, with joyful celebrations of the season. Dressed in snowy white, the dancers perform works ranging from Bach’s stately “Magnificat,” to the festive “Wassail,” to playful dances highlighting winter’s wonders.

The Cool Christmas second act features a red-hot costume change along with a spirited medley of contemporary festive numbers, with a dazzling display of tap, swing, and much more. Among favorites returning to the stage are Smuin’s sultry “Christmas in New Orleans” and the spirited tap dance “Bells of Dublin,” as well as a charming sock-hop in “Winter Weather” and dancing conifers in “Droopy Little Christmas Tree.” “The Christmas Ballet” has something delightful for audiences of every age.

For those unable to attend in person, “The Christmas Ballet” can also be enjoyed from home. This year’s program will be offered as a virtual on-demand streaming option available from Thanksgiving through Christmas. (And a special note to Smuin fans: the streaming version offers an exclusive “Santa Baby” segment featuring archival footage of the company’s first siren, now Artistic Director Celia Fushille, seen in the role she originated.)

Smuin’s “The Christmas Ballet” will tour the Bay Area, with shows in Mountain View (December 2-5), Carmel (Dec 10-11), and San Francisco (December 16-26).

Tickets are available by calling 415-912-1899 or visiting www.smuinballet.org.

(Photo credit: Chris Hardy) Smuin artists Cassidy Isaacson and Mengjun Chen (left), and Terez Dean Orr and Ian Buchanan (right) in “Winter Weather,” part of Smuin’s “The Christmas Ballet” touring the Bay Area now through December 26.

(Photo credit: Chris Hardy) Smuin artist Terez Dean Orr slinks across the stage in “Santa Baby,” part of Smuin’s “The Christmas Ballet,” touring the Bay Area now through December 26.

(Photo credit: Keith Sutter) Smuin artist Oliver-Paul Adams looks on in amazement at the dancing tree in Rex Wheeler’s “Christmas Tree Rock,” part of Smuin’s “The Christmas Ballet,” touring the Bay Area now through December 26.