Savannah Ballet Theatre & School of Dance (SBT) Advancement Director Abby McCuen gave an impactful presentation on Thursday October 10^th  to the Rotary Club of Richmond Hill, discussing the organization’s work in being the only classical ballet company in coastal Georgia that provides both dancers and audience members with a full season of professionally staged performances and outreach programming.

McCuen’s presentation focused on SBT’s mission, rich history in the Coastal Empire, low sensory performances specifically designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, sensory sensitivities, or other disabilities, its educational outreach programs for area youth, teachers, and seniors, and the current need for donations and grants to continue subsidizing tickets for students and military.

“It is important to SBT to reach all ages, genders, sexes, and socioeconomic backgrounds to expose them to classical and original adaptations of the traditional art form of ballet in a unique, accessible way,” McCuen told Rotary members. “Only 60% of our yearly revenue comes from ticket sales. That’s why we are so grateful to donors and sponsors for supporting our organization, so we can continue serving the entire community and bringing the beautiful art form of ballet to today’s audiences.”

McCuen also referenced their upcoming performances of The Nutcracker, the classical production that this beloved non-profit is most known for, and their newest, original production of Jack the Ripper.

The world premiere of Jack the Ripper will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19 at Savannah Cultural Arts Center, 201 Montgomery Street. This brand-new contemporary production was created by SBT and demonstrates how the traditional art form of ballet has evolved for today’s audiences. Most people are familiar with the story of the British Victorian era murderer, Jack the Ripper, but not those of his victims. SBT’s professional dancers will take the audience on a journey through the lives of the five women known to have been killed by this criminal. 

The Nutcracker will take center stage this holiday season at the beautiful Lucas Theatre on Saturday, December 7 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, December 8 at 3 p.m. Featuring the Savannah Ballet Theatre Orchestra, the legendary Tchaikovsky score will fuel the performance of this classic holiday ballet, which demonstrates the story of a young girl’s dream of a Christmas gift come-to-life to become her beloved prince. There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than by joining SBT as they take you from a fabulous holiday party set in 1940’s Savannah to a magical dream unlike any other.

The Jack the Ripper performance is suggested for children 13 and older. While the ballet will not be gory, it does feature adult content. Tickets are reserved seating and each cost $25. To purchase tickets, please visit http://bit.ly/SBTJacktheRipper.

Tickets for The Nutcracker are reserved seating and each cost $30. To purchase tickets, please visit http://bit.ly/SBTNutcracker.