On October 17th and 24th, the Sacramento Ballet launched its first annual Capital Choreography Competition at the historic Crest Theatre. Three top choreographers unleashed their imaginations and battled for prizes and recognition in an evening of spectacular world premieres. After the winners were selected by a panel of judges from the professional field of theatre and dance, the audience got in on the act by voting for the "people's choice." Prizes included cash awards and special gifts provided by Tiffany & Co.

Choreographers included Viktor Kabaniaev, resident choreographer of Diablo Ballet, Amy Seiwert, artistic director of im'ij-re and choreographer in residence for Smuin Ballet/SF, and Matthew Neenan, artistic director of BalletX and choreographer in residence for Pennsylvania Ballet.

Popular entertainer and KVIE on-air host, Dr. Steve Winlock teamed up with Fox 40 star, Natalie Bomke to lead the evening's entertainment as Master & Mistress of ceremonies. Our distinguished panel of judges included Molly Lynch, UC Irvine dance faculty and artistic director of National Choreography Institute... Ruth Rosenberg, former artistic director of Ruth Rosenberg Dance Company... Pepper Von, international fitness instructor and choreographer... Don Roth, Executive Director of the Mondavi Center for Performing Arts... Linda Goodrich, chair of CSUS Dance Department... Peggy Shannon, Artistic Director of Sacramento Theatre Company... Jeff Mason, Dean of CSUS Department of Theatre & Dance... Della Davidson, Artistic Director of Side Show Physical Theatre and UC Davis dance faculty member... Buck Busfield, Artistic Director of B Street Theatre... Richard Lewis, Executive Producer of California Musical Theatre (Music Circus, Broadway Sacramento and The Cosmopolitan Cabaret).

Even with a different panel of judges and a different audience for each performance, Matthew Neenan won "Judges Choice" for both nights and Amy Seiwert won "People's Choice" for both nights.

When:
October 17th and October 24th, 2009
Performances began at 7:00pm

Where:
Crest Theatre
1013 K St, Sacramento

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Peter, Cat, and Bird captured the big bad Wolf and carted him off to the zoo!
On October 24th, 950 parents and kids enjoyed an interactive family afternoon of fun activities during Sacramento Ballet's Peter & The Wolf event. Following the performance, activities included the Sacramento Zoomobile & Kid, friendly animals, Fairytale Corner, Photo Ops with the Dancers.

Jeffrey Callison (from Capital Public Radio's Insight) narrated the charming tale choreographed by Ron Cunningham to the delightful music of Sergei Prokofiev.





When:
Saturday, October 24th, 2009
Performance began at 3:00pm
Family-fun activities immediately followed the performance.

Where:
Crest Theatre
1013 K St, Sacramento