Local dancers perform to raise funds for Sebastiani Theatre

Final rehearsals are under way at Sonoma Ballet Conservatory for their upcoming production of The Snow Maiden on Jan. 29 and 30. Two matinee performances at 2 p.m. on both days will raise funds to help the Sebastiani Theatre continue to offer art, music, dance and cinema to Sonoma.

The Snow Maiden, or Snegurochka in Russian, is a recurring theme in Russian fairytales. Stories vary regarding how The Snow Maiden is born, but the common theme of a mythical character coming to life and interacting with real people runs through all productions. There have been Snow Maiden ballets, operas, animated and live-action films dating back to the late 1800’s. In Russia, the figure of the Snow Maiden is as popular as Santa Claus is to Americans.

Sonoma Ballet Conservatory’s production includes dancers from ages six to 16 who have been rehearsing since September. Brooke Byrne, artistic director for Khadra International Dance Theatre in San Francisco, has choreographed the piece and has also brought her expertise in Russian character dancing to the show.
Sonoma Ballet Conservatory has chosee to offer this production as a fundraiser for the Sebastiani Theatre. SBC understands the costs involved in keep the historic theatre building open and operating. Diana and Roger Rhoten, who run the theatre, bring so many unique musical theatre and cinematic experiences to the community – as well as making performing opportunities available to the youth of Sonoma. SBC decided it was time to give something back not only to the Rhotens but to the theatre as well.

Reserved seating tickets for the Snow Maiden are $30 for adults, and $20 for children age 12 and under. All proceeds go directly to the Sebastiani Theatre. Tickets are available by calling the theatre at 996.9756, the ballet studio at 938.1424, or at Reader’s Books.