November 29, 2011 > Ballet Petit continues Nutcracker tradition Ballet Petit continues Nutcracker tradition Photo courtesy of Ballet Petit Led by Peggy Peabody who has been inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame for Arts and Culture by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and the Alameda County Commission on the Status of Women, Ballet Petit presents its thirty-third production of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker. In addition to evening performances, this year the weekend will include matinees on both Saturday and Sunday. Artistic Director, Peggy Peabody developed the idea for Ballet Petit in 1977 at a nursery school after completing her studies at the San Francisco Ballet School. A mini version of The Nutcracker led in 1979 led to a separate entity, Ballet Petit, which opened in Newark in 1983. As Ballet Petit has grown and its dancers have matured, productions have become more sophisticated and although the focus is on ballet as a classical art form rather than competition, both serious and recreational dancers have found a home at Ballet Petit to sharpen their skills. Many graduates of Ballet Petit have moved on to professional careers in renowned theater companies including The Royal Ballet of London, Boston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, The Pacific Northwest Ballet, Cleveland San Jose Ballet and others. Now located in Hayward, Ballet Petit features a full-length performance of The Nutcracker with over 300 dancers each holiday season as well as additional performances throughout the year. This is a beautiful production to begin holiday activities. Don't miss it! The Nutcracker Saturday, Dec 3 and Sunday, Dec 4 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Chabot College Theatre of Performing Arts 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward (510) 324-4988 www.balletpetit.com Adults: $25.00 Children: $20.00 Seniors: $20.00