A Message From Ron Cunningham

Ron Cunningham's The Nutcracker

People frequently ask me, “what is my favorite ballet,” and I invariably answer, “The Nutcracker!” It’s true, of all the ballets I have choreographed, The Nutcracker remains the most special to me and I never grow weary of it. The charming story, magnificent dancing, sumptuous production, Tchaikovsky’s glorious music, and above all, the delightful children create a fantastic theatrical experience that lingers long in memory.

Ron with the Party Scene Children's Cast

My choreographic journey with The Nutcracker began with the Boston Ballet in 1976. My first two Clara’s were Corinne Neenan and Jennifer Gelfan. I still hang the ornament Corinne gave me on our Christmas tree every year. Her little brother Matthew, who is now a prominent choreographer, was my first Kilt Boy. Jennifer went on to win a gold medal in international competition and a principal dancer with the Boston Ballet. My first Fritz, Damian Woetzel, became a leading dancer with the New York City Ballet. Many other children went on to dance in ballet companies around the world and on the Broadway stage, but most simply enjoyed a moment in time that created magical memories. I am told that I am one of the first choreographers to integrate children with physical and developmental disabilities into The Nutcracker. Isn’t this the way it should be? After all, The Nutcracker is a ballet about family, community, the spirit of love, and the
generosity of giving.

Nutcracker Children's Auditions...Hop like a bunny! 

Now celebrating my 25th Anniversary as Artist Director of the Sacramento Ballet, my Nutcracker has become the crown jewel of our extensive repertory and a venerable Sacramento tradition. In a few days, we will begin the annual Nutcracker auditions with many hundreds of children eagerly anticipating the experience with bright shining faces. I hop like a Bunny and scurry like a Mouse in selecting almost 500 children, making it the largest cast of children appearing in a professional production of The Nutcracker anywhere in the world. Down to the tiniest of Mice, we know our brief moment on stage delights and fills hearts with joy and gladness as we celebrate the holiday spirit.




Ron Cunningham