On Saturday, December 15th, youth from our Don Fisher Clubhouse took part in SF Ballet’s Nutcracker Benefit Luncheon: Land of Dreams, comprised of an exclusive luncheon and tickets to SF Ballet’s production of Nutcracker. BGCSF is committed to ensuring members have access to San Francisco’s outstanding arts community, and SF Ballet’s Nutcracker ranks among the best in the nation. With a production featuring 175 ballet students from 13 different countries, SF Ballet’s Nutcracker continues our city’s strong tradition of outstanding theatrical performances.
Prior to the performance, Club youth were treated to an all-expenses paid luncheon that boasted a dessert bar, flip-book station, autographs from Nutcracker performers, and more. An area of particular interest for our youth was the Build-A-Bear Workshop, where members were able to design their own commemorative bear for the event and take it with them to the performance.
Also popular was the Nutcracker step-and-repeat, where youth got to take photos alongside famous Nutcracker characters, receiving photo prints on the spot. Some of the kids even used the opportunity to strike a pose they learned from their dance classes at the Don Fisher Clubhouse!
Once in San Francisco’s historic War Memorial Opera House, our kids were welcomed into box seats, offering them the best view in the house.
The good view came in handy, because the performance was an absolute crowd-pleaser. SF Ballet’s production featured ornate sets, colorful costume-work, and peerless dancing over two magical hours. Club youth sat rapt with attention the entire time, and were eager to share their thoughts following the performance.
“I thought it was amazing and beautiful!” said Kendresse, a first year member at the Don Fisher Clubhouse. First year member Kyla held a similar view. “It was fun and funny,” she said. “I wish I could see the show all the time. My favorite part was the bear dancing.”
In future SF Ballet productions, keep an eye out for BGCSF youth among the participants. An early partner when we opened the doors to the Don Fisher Clubhouse, we’ve seen our partnership with SF Ballet blossom into a true difference-maker for Club youth over the years. Each summer, SF Ballet and BGCSF team up for our Dance Camp program, offering five consecutive days of classes from professional instructors at San Francisco Ballet School. The 2019 Dance Camp will take place June 10 - 14. SF Ballet also offers dance classes at the Don Fisher Clubhouse on a regular basis. To stay informed about upcoming dance opportunities, join the BGCSF mailing list. SF Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker runs from December 12 - 29. For more information on SF Ballet’s Nutcracker production or to purchase tickets, click here.
BGCSF is currently offering free support and training to Black-serving and Black-led individuals and organizations participating in The Dream Keeper Initiative, a citywide effort launched in 2021 to reinvest $120 million over two years into San Francisco’s diverse Black communities.
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