Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre in Concert

Saturday, April 8 at Cabrillo Crocker Theater

Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre will present its annual In Concert spring repertoire performances at the Cabrillo Crocker Theater on Saturday, April 8. Performance times are 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. These performances feature an eclectic array of dance idioms, from the classical “Paquita” with music by León Minkus, the very contemporary “us/them” by guest choreographer Nahshon Marden and an original score by Max Rico.

SCBT welcomes the return of Seattle choreographer Eva Stone’s “End of a Year” to music by Luigi Boccherini. “End of a Year” is a joyous romp with beautiful costumes created and constructed by Suellen Baum.

The highlight of Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre in Concert promises to be a new collaborative creation with choreography by award-winner Robert Kelley to a commissioned score by Juilliard faculty member and former SCBT composer Jerome Begin. Titled “Turbulent Passages,” this world premier will feature a live string quartet, conducted by SCBT Music Director Pamela Martin.

The musicians are Anthony Crawford, Judy Kmetko, Jill Van Gee and Janet Witharm. This partnership with orchestra manager Norman Peck and Maestro Martin marks SCBT’s dedication to collaborating with other artists and presenting live music whenever possible.

Rounding out the performance will be the romantic Peasant Pas de Deux from the first act of “Giselle” and performances by the Junior and Petite Companies. Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre is proud to have trained many professional dancers. Come see tomorrow’s stars take the stage in this wonderful mix of dance!

Tickets are available through the Cabrillo College Box Office or online at cabrillovapa.com and are $25.50 and $29.50 for Adults, $16.50 and $19.50 Seniors/Youth. Come hear the Artistic Directors speak about the performance 30 minutes prior to curtain, a free event for all ticket holders. Box office hours are Thursday-Saturday 12 noon to 4 p.m. (831) 479-6154.

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Founded in 1978, SCBT established its non-profit status in 1982 and is a proud member of Regional Dance America. Executive Artistic Directors Robert Kelley and Diane Cypher were acknowledged with a Gail Rich Award in 2009. SCBT was awarded the Aptos Chamber of Commerce Arts Organization of the Year in 2010 and Robert Kelley was named Artist of the Year in 2010. SCBT is a professional training program and has prepared many graduates for careers in the field, as well as dance programs in esteemed colleges and universities. The organization’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” is performed at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium with a live 51-piece orchestra, conducted by Music Director Pamela Martin.