ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Wave of ‘Nutcracker’ cancellations hits dance companies hard

UPDATED: OCTOBER 11, 2020 AT 4:36 PM

Ballet West "Nutcracker" battle scene. Photo credit: Ryan Galbraith

BY SIMONE SEIKALY
Digital Content Producer

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The coronavirus has hit one part of the arts and entertainment world especially hard, and that’s performances of “The Nutcracker.”

COVID-19 infections, and concern over them, have forced the cancellation of performances of the seasonal ballet around the United States and Canada.

Pulling the shows offstage this year is eliminating a major and reliable source of revenue for dance companies that were already reeling financially following the virtual shutdown of their industry.

Company directors say the cancellations also affect the marketing role that “Nutcracker” performances play for introducing audiences to the world of dance.

Now, some companies say offering both in-person and streaming productions may become the norm.

KSL Newsradio is awaiting contact from a Ballet West representative and will report here when we have an update.

Related: Ballet West sheds tradition, dancers will wear tights that match their skin color

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Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
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Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
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Get a flu shot.