Smuin's The Christmas Ballet
November 23 - December 24, 2024
Smuin Ballet's The Christmas Ballet is the ultimate holiday treat—it sparkles with elegance and mischief that delights audiences and had me mesmerized. We are all accustomed to ubiquitous Nutcrackers in every ballet. Although most are beautiful, I find them redundant. I have seen over 200 performances in the US and Europe since I was four. So please forgive me if I am a bit Nutcrackered out. I was primed and ready to be entertained and walk away whistling 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas'— and I still am this morning. Each year is different, and each show may not be the one from the day before. Choreographers have continually contributed a wide range of works interspersed in random performances. Smuin's artistic director, Amy Siewert, created seventeen of these scenarios alone. Divided into two acts, this delightful ode to Christmas, "Classical Christmas" and "Cool Christmas," offers something for everyone, from the lovers of tradition to those who prefer their holidays with a wink and a shimmy- and several hearty belly laughs.
"Classical Christmas"
This act is all about the timeless beauty of the season. Picture graceful dancers gliding through luminous snowflakes dressed in creamy white to the sounds of Handel and Bach. It's as if a Christmas card came to life—refined, elegant, and steeped in tradition. Whether it's the reverent hush of Ave Maria or the serene glow of candlelit choreography, this part feels like stepping into the magic of a silent winter's night.
"Cool Christmas"
With a jingle and a swing, the second act kicks off in style, trading solemnity for sass. Dancers strut, shimmy, and sparkle to jazzy takes on holiday classics like Santa Baby and Feliz Navidad. Think high-energy kicks, playful winks, and costumes with a cheeky holiday twist. It's a little naughty, a little nice, and a whole lot of fun. I could barely stay in my seat when three dancers dressed as fully decorated Christmas trees tap danced to "Winter Wonderland," eventually melting into the floor. Hysterical! The real magic of Smuin's The Christmas Ballet lies in its ability to balance tradition with modern-day pizzazz. It's heartwarming one moment and laugh-out-loud delightful the next—a perfect holiday confection. Whether you leave humming a carol or chuckling over a cheeky moment, this Christmas tradition makes even Scrooge smile. Not only am I returning today, but I will also return next year to get a dose of happiness. James Weis for danse.org
Venue: San Francisco
Review by: James Weis
Date line: December 13, 2024