Texas Ballet Theater (TBT) announced Thursday it was canceling its 2020 run of Ben Stevenson, O.B.E.’s "The Nutcracker," scheduled for Nov. 27 – Dec. 6, 2020, at Winspear Opera House in Dallas and December 11-27, 2020 at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth.
According to a news release, "Organizational leaders deemed it impossible to effectively prepare for and perform the production with social distancing and other safety measures in place."
Dancers will still return from their regular summer break on Aug. 24. In preparation, TBT developed safety protocols in consultation with health and safety professionals, peer ballet organizations across the country, and TBT leadership, including the Board of Governors. Under the new protocols, dancers will not be allowed to partner or dance within six feet from one another, thus preventing the company from rehearsing "The Nutcracker."
TBT also cited reduced venue capacities as another reason for cancelation — with a limited number of patrons attending shows and "The Nutcracker" being the biggest production of the season, the company would not be able to recoup expenses from the magnitude of sets, costumes, and special effects.
Despite the cancelation, TBT intends to continue employing its dancers and developing new programs that audiences can enjoy during the holiday season.
“Bringing The Nutcracker to life requires large numbers of dancers, crew, and staff to be in close proximity with each other as early as September, which causes serious concerns amid our public health landscape,” executive director Vanessa Logan said in a statement. “We will still connect with our community this holiday season, just in a different way.”
