Approximately 500 fourth and fifth graders from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) attended an abbreviated performance of “The Nutcracker” by the Westside Ballet of Santa Monica on Dec. 2.
Students saw 10 scenes from the company’s full-length production, each performed by fully costumed Westside Ballet dancers. Several of the dancers are also enrolled at SMMUSD schools.
The performance was followed by a Q&A and each student received a nutcracker to take home.
Westside Ballet of Santa Monica is a nonprofit, pre-professional ballet company that has been donating abbreviated performances to community youth since 2013 to introduce them to classical dance and music.
Another 500 SMMUSD fourth and fifth graders attended a second abbreviated performance on Dec. 4.