South Bay Ballet's Nutcracker reaches out to Disadvantaged Residents

TORRANCE, CA, December 04, 2010 (Press-News.org) South Bay Ballet has been a recognized leader in ballet arts for more than 30 years. The Company's mission to bring high-quality arts to the largest possible audience across the Southland will be advanced again this holiday season as nearly 2,000 tickets have been given away to numerous community organizations and schools that will attend its Outreach Performance of The Nutcracker. South Bay Ballet will stage the Outreach Performance on Thursday, December 16 at 6 pm at the Marsee Auditorium at El Camino College Center for the Performing Arts.

Providing complimentary tickets to live ballet performances, this program extends the opportunity to experience the world of ballet to special needs, disabled and disadvantages youths and adults, among many other underserved populations, in order to increase their access to the art of ballet. Those slated to be in the audience are Pediatric Therapy Network, Jonathan Jacques Children's Cancer Center at Long Beach Memorial Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, Richstone Family Center, A Place Called Home, The Friendship Circle, 186th Street School, Wonder of Reading, Ride to Fly, and many others.

"World-class ballet deserves to be enjoyed by everyone. South Bay Ballet offers an extremely cultural opportunity that we want to share with those in our community who otherwise are not able to experience the magic and art of ballet," shares Diane Lauridsen, Artistic Director of South Bay Ballet. "Our dancers are serious, dedicated and hard-working and it is very rewarding for them to see the joy and happiness on the faces of the children and adults who attend."

Immediately following the Outreach Performance of The Nutcracker, Diane will be in the Marsee Auditorium's foyer to answer questions. Company dancers will also be available for photos, autographs and questions.

In addition to the Outreach Performance this year, South Bay Ballet's Nutcracker returns to the Marsee Auditorium at El Camino College Center for the Performing Arts for two public performances on Saturday, December 18 at 2 pm and Sunday, December 19 at 2 pm.

INFORMATION & TICKET SALES:
Adults $30 • Children 12 and under $20 • Group rates available
1.800.832.ARTS (2787)
http://www.centerforthearts.org

ABOUT SOUTH BAY BALLET:
South Bay Ballet, a non-profit organization, provides quality artistic performances to the community as well as outstanding training to young and pre-professional dancers. Under the guidance of Artistic Director Diane Lauridsen, and Assistant Artistic Director Candice Davis, the Company's mission is to provide a nurturing environment for serious dance students to develop their skills while offering artistic excellence to the community. The Company is dedicated to providing performance opportunities that build character and confidence. The ultimate goal is to carry young dancers into their professional lives.

South Bay Ballet continues to present Southern California audiences with a professional level artistic experience. Each year South Bay Ballet offers an eclectic range of ballets, from classical to contemporary. In addition to The Nutcracker, the annual season includes both Bravo! A Classical & Contemporary Ballet Experience and Storybook Ballet, at the James R. Armstrong Theatre.

For additional information or to become a friend of South Bay Ballet visit http://www.southbayballet.org.