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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Contra Costa Ballet's Spring Rep

May 9 & 10, 2025
at Lesher Center for the Arts
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The History of Contra Costa Ballet's The Nutcracker 

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Beginning with studio performances and no budget for a complete Nutcracker, Cammack and Dishong adopted the "add a pearl" concept, starting with a much smaller cast than today's and adding variations and costumes yearly.

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Cal Anderson, the talented graphic and scenic designer who designed several ballets for San Francisco Ballet, including the iconic "Pop Art" ballet choreographed by Lew Christensen, joined the team to create the first version to be performed at the opening of the Lesher Center for the Arts. Originally narrated, the production evolved to stand on its own with developed choreography, strong dancers and stunning costumes.

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Over the past three decades, thousands of students, professional guest artists from the Greater Bay Area and beyond, production staff, instructors, ballet masters, and supportive board members participated in making Contra Costa Ballet's The Nutcracker the beloved tradition that continues today.