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On Pointe

LeeAnne Carson

Forty years is a major milestone for a dance company—and it’s one the Oakland Ballet almost didn’t make. More than $250,000 in debt, the company cancelled its 2004 season and didn’t renew its dancers’ contracts.

But after raising more than half a million dollars, the company has hired back many of its dancers, as well as some new recruits. Beginning this month, Oakland Ballet will take the stage at the Calvin Simmons Theatre for a triumphant 40th anniversary season.

First up is Eugene Loring’s classic Billy the Kid (pictured above) with Les Noces, Les Biches, Double Happiness, and a world-premiere tribute to Ella Fitzgerald also on the program. The season continues with The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Peter and the Wolf (November 25–27), and The Nutcracker (December 17–21, at the Paramount Theatre).

Billy the Kid runs October 14–16. For tickets, call (510) 286-8914 or visit www.oaklandballet.org .

 

This article appears in the October 2005 issue of Diablo Magazine

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