Sacramento Ballet

For decades, the Sacramento Ballet has stood as a beacon of artistic excellence and a cornerstone of California's vibrant cultural landscape. Located in the state's capital, this esteemed institution is far more than just a performing company; it's a dynamic center for dance education, community engagement, and breathtaking live performances. For residents across the Golden State, particularly those in the Sacramento region, the Sacramento Ballet offers unparalleled opportunities to experience the beauty and power of dance, whether as an aspiring dancer or an appreciative audience member.

Since its founding in 1954, the Sacramento Ballet has been dedicated to "enhancing the human condition through dance and to make it accessible to everyone." This mission drives their commitment to delivering world-class classical and contemporary performances, while also nurturing the next generation of dancers through their comprehensive school. They are the region's only dance company to maintain a roster of professional dance artists, bringing internationally renowned dancers and choreographers to live and create groundbreaking artistic works right here in Sacramento.

The Sacramento Ballet captivates thousands of patrons each year with its enthralling performances, including the beloved annual holiday tradition of "The Nutcracker," a spectacle that features hundreds of local youngsters alongside the professional company. Beyond the stage, the organization is deeply involved in community outreach, bringing the joy of dance into schools and underserved neighborhoods. It’s a place where discipline, passion, and artistic expression converge, making it a vital cultural asset for all Californians.

The Sacramento Ballet is prominently located at 2420 N St #100, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA. This address places the ballet company and its school within the E. Claire Raley Studios for the Performing Arts, widely known as CLARA Midtown. CLARA is a unique and groundbreaking space that serves as a hub for various arts groups in Sacramento, making it a central and easily recognizable destination for performing arts enthusiasts.

Being situated in Midtown Sacramento offers exceptional accessibility for locals throughout California's capital region. Midtown is known for its walkable streets, vibrant atmosphere, and excellent public transportation options. The facility itself, a beautifully renovated former schoolhouse (Fremont School), provides dedicated dance studios with professional amenities like appropriate flooring, barres, and mirrors, essential for high-quality dance training.

For those driving, parking is typically available in the vicinity, and the location's proximity to major thoroughfares makes commuting from different parts of Sacramento, as well as surrounding counties like Yolo, Placer, and El Dorado, relatively straightforward. The Sacramento Ballet's door for students to enter and exit is conveniently located on the south side of the CLARA building, easily accessible from the parking lot. This prime and well-connected location ensures that the Sacramento Ballet is a central and convenient destination for both students and audience members in California.

The Sacramento Ballet offers a comprehensive range of services, catering to both aspiring dancers through its school and the wider community through its professional performances and outreach programs. Their primary offerings include:

• Professional Dance Performances: The main company presents a season of diverse productions, including classical ballets (like their renowned "Nutcracker") and innovative contemporary works, bringing high-quality artistic experiences to the Sacramento region.
• School of Sacramento Ballet (Dance Education): As the official training academy of the professional company, the school offers a conservatory-style curriculum with graded syllabi across various divisions:
  • Children's Division: Age-appropriate classes for young dancers (ages 3-7), including Music & Movement, Creative Movement, and Preparatory Ballet.
  • Student Division: Progressive levels (Levels 1-6) for older children and teens, building on foundational techniques. Placement classes are required for new students aged 8 and above.
  • Pre-Professional Division: Advanced training (Pre-Pro 1 & 2) for serious students aspiring to professional dance careers, requiring placement classes.
  • Adult Division: Drop-in ballet classes for enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to seasoned dancers, provided in a welcoming and judgment-free environment. This includes classes like "Falls Prevention for Older Adults."
• Summer Intensives: Intensive training programs for students looking to accelerate their skills, often offering opportunities for consideration for the Second Company.
• Second Company: A pre-professional company for aspiring dancers, bridging the gap between student and professional careers.
• Community Outreach and Education Programs: Sacramento Ballet is deeply committed to making dance accessible through various initiatives:
  • School Partnerships: Providing ballet classes to elementary school students (e.g., Hollywood Park Elementary) and offering programs for high school students, including rehearsal viewings and backstage tours.
  • "Ballet in the Park": A free community arts event that brings professional dance performances to public spaces, engaging thousands annually.
  • Programs for Underserved Populations: Efforts to reach children-at-risk, the underserved, and those who might not otherwise experience dance, with a focus on equity and inclusion.
• Performance Opportunities for Students: Students from the school often have the unique chance to perform alongside the professional company in major productions like "The Nutcracker."

The Sacramento Ballet is renowned for several key features and highlights that establish its prominence within California's performing arts landscape:

• Direct Affiliation with a Professional Company: As the region's only dance institution directly affiliated with a professional ballet company, the School of Sacramento Ballet offers a unique pathway for aspiring dancers, providing direct insight and potential progression into a professional career.
• World-Class Performances: The professional company consistently delivers high-quality classical and contemporary ballet productions, captivating thousands of patrons annually and representing California's cultural scene on national and international stages.
• Comprehensive and Graded Curriculum: The conservatory-style approach with graded syllabi ensures a structured, progressive, and thorough dance education from early childhood (ages 3) through pre-professional levels and adult classes.
• Exceptional Faculty: The school boasts an esteemed faculty comprising former professional dancers, graduates from prestigious university dance programs, and dedicated lifelong educators. Reviewers laud instructors like Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes, Ms. Bella, Ms. Alexa, and Ms. Genevieve for their knowledge, encouraging approach, focus on technique, and genuine care for students.
• Iconic "Nutcracker" Production: The annual "Nutcracker" performance is a beloved holiday tradition, known for its grand scale and the unique opportunity it provides for over 500 local youngsters to perform alongside professional dancers.
• Strong Commitment to Community Accessibility: The Ballet's mission to "make dance accessible to everyone" is demonstrated through significant community outreach initiatives, including free programs in schools, "Ballet in the Park," and efforts to reach underserved populations. This commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is a core value.
• State-of-the-Art Facility (CLARA Midtown): Operating within CLARA (E. Claire Raley Studios for the Performing Arts) provides students and performers with professional dance studios, an auditorium, and a vibrant arts hub that supports learning and collaboration.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond technical training, the school aims to instill qualities like discipline, focus, a positive attitude, and proper classroom etiquette, enhancing students' overall well-being and preparing them for success in life, not just dance.

For those interested in connecting with Sacramento Ballet, whether for performances or dance education, here is their contact information:

Address: 2420 N St #100, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA

Phone: (916) 552-5800

Mobile Phone: +1 916-552-5800

For the most current performance schedules, ticket information, detailed class schedules for the School of Sacramento Ballet, registration procedures, and information on outreach programs, it is highly recommended to visit the official Sacramento Ballet website. Their online platform is the best resource for up-to-date information, online ticket purchases, and direct communication with the organization for any specific inquiries.

The Sacramento Ballet is an indispensable asset for locals throughout California, particularly for families and individuals in the greater Sacramento region. Firstly, its dual role as a professional performing company and a comprehensive dance school means it serves as a central hub for ballet enthusiasts of all ages and aspirations. From watching captivating professional productions to beginning one's own dance journey, the opportunities are extensive.

Secondly, the exceptional quality of instruction at the School of Sacramento Ballet, delivered by experienced faculty who genuinely care about student progress, ensures that every dancer receives top-tier training. The structured curriculum and the ability for students to progress through divisions, with opportunities to perform alongside the professional company in productions like "The Nutcracker," offer an unparalleled pathway for serious dancers. At the same time, the welcoming Adult Division ensures that ballet remains accessible and enjoyable for hobbyists.

Moreover, the Sacramento Ballet's profound commitment to community engagement and accessibility truly makes it suitable for all locals. Through initiatives like "Ballet in the Park" and school programs, they bring the beauty and benefits of dance to underserved populations, ensuring that the art form enriches the lives of thousands regardless of socioeconomic status or background. This dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion reflects a forward-thinking approach that benefits the entire community.

Finally, being housed within the vibrant CLARA Midtown arts hub provides a fantastic environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. For Californians seeking to engage with world-class performing arts, pursue dance education from foundational to pre-professional levels, or simply experience the joy and transformative power of ballet, the Sacramento Ballet stands as a proud and essential local institution.

Sacramento Ballet

2420 N St #100, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA