San Benito Dance Academy

Our online storefront anniversary! Your orders are always appreciated! Special and timely customizable products can be shipped right to your home! Check it out and order from our online storefront!

Members: having Zoom issues getting into classes? Please read this update for tips and suggestions! https://gem.godaddy.com/s/46d3d11

Check out the latest Mission Village Voice, with our column in the last page of this January’s edition! By our own Ms. Casandra! #thisiswhywecontinuetodance #sbdainthecommunity #sbdainthemedia #sbdainthenewspaper #sbdainthenews

Hello SBDA Studio Family: It is with an abundance of caution and much thought and consideration that I announce our classes will continue on Zoom for the next week. With the current numbers and how COVID is directly affecting our studio members and community, I deem it prudent to continue with virtual instruction at this time. We know that it’s not ideal, and we are doing our best to change and make things better for the future as we move forward!... Here is why virtual distance-dancing is best right now: 1. We have to consider the health and safety of ALL our community members. 2. Something is better than nothing, and we are committed to doing the ‘hard stuff,’ working to keep our community engaged! Love our studio? Please keep supporting it so we have a studio to come back to! Much love and thank you!!! ~SBDA Director Ms. Lara *Members should see email to read the full update (check promotions/spam/trash folders since emails sent from our database oftentimes don't make it directly to your inbox!).

Hello studio family: Our run of Nutcracker Season 2020 has closed after tonight's final 8th showing in the premiere drive-in event. Thank you to all for your support!!! It has been fun, to say the least! A few notes in follow up... * GRATITUDE: Much appreciation goes to the Abundant Life Foursquare Church staff and helping hands of our Claras and their families especially, who were there helping set up and clean up for every single showing. Thanks to all the many volunteers w...Continue reading

Instructor features continue! Here is some info on Ms. Casandra, Instructor of Intermediate Ballet classes right now at SBDA. Ms. Casandra received formal ballet training since the age of 7 under the instruction of Lareen Fender at The Ballet School in Walnut Creek. She performed annually in the Spring Demonstration as well as the original holiday ballet Once Upon a Christmas from ages 7 through 18, as well as being part of the studio's company The Ballet Joyeaux and gaining ...experience substitute-teaching in jazz and ballet classes. She performed in various professional and teen theatre productions with featured dancing roles, including Some Like it Hot, Grease, West Side Story, and Annie. Additionally, she participated in Center Rep's professional theatre training program Young Rep, studying under the best instructors in the East Bay. As an adult, Ms. Casandra danced at International Academy of Dance in Santa Cruz, where she joined their annual production of The Nutcracker as Spanish, Marzipan and in Waltz of the Flowers, even dancing while pregnant with her first daughter! In her undergraduate studies at UC Santa Cruz, Ms. Casandra majored in literature and double minored in education and theater with an emphasis in dance, at which time she continued studying ballet, as well as modern, jazz, hip-hop and participating in faculty and student choreographed showcases. She also has masters degrees in Education (UCSC) and Communicative Disorders (CSUN), and has worked as a Speech Therapist and Program Specialist in Special Education at San Benito High School for over a decade. She has been part of the SBDA family since 2016, when her daughter started dancing, and has enjoyed performing in SBDA’s The Nutcracker, as well as helping backstage. Ms. Casandra now has two little ballerinas at SBDA. She is so excited to continue instilling her love of dance in her students, and to be part of such a family-oriented studio. #sbdainstructors #sbdafamily #webelieve

Our drive-in Nutcracker viewings have only two more showings in the run of this drive-in premiere! Make sure to reserve your vehicle at least two hours prior to the show for guaranteed admission. https://www.sanbenitodanceacademy.com/nutcracker-tickets.ht Additional passengers can always be paid for upon entrance! Vehicles without a reservation will be accepted on a first-come basis, as space allows.... Please help us fill the lot these last two nights of showings before you purchase your digital download copy! Come experience the magic of the drive-in Nutcracker in San Benito County! #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcrackerdrivein #sbdanutcrackerdriveinevent

Drive in showings of our 2020 Nutcracker production have just three viewings left: playing Monday-Wednesday playing at 6:30pm each evening at the drive-in venue (790 Bolsa Rd.) Drive your trucks with mattresses in the beds, convertibles, SUVs with hatchbacks, and bring those HEATED BLANKETS (we’ve got the hot cocoa on hand for you! )! Watch from the comfort of your own vehicle and keep cozy. Tune into 88.7 when in the car park to have a personal acoustic rendition of Tchaik...ovsky’s Nutcracker Suite as the soundtrack narrates visions of sugar plums dancing before you in this holiday tradition made for our community to celebrate safely! https://www.sanbenitodanceacademy.com/nutcracker-tickets.ht This is a great experience to gift a friend, enjoy for a date night, or just for the whole family to come out to enjoy, in the holiday spirit! We believe in the magic of The Nutcracker!!! #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerdrivein #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcrackerdriveinevent

Repost@sanbenitocountychamber Repost: Shelton Insurance Marketing, Inc. Support Small Business Saturday! As we are all navigating through uncharted territory during this unprecedented time, small businesses, like ourselves, are feeling a significant impact.... If you are in a position to do so, please consider supporting small businesses by online shopping, delivery or take out and purchasing gift cards, etc. anything you can do to help. This is also a perfect time to show your support for essential workers, medical professionals, first responders, and any other heroes in your life who don’t have the luxury of working from home! Give twice the support and appreciation by sending a little something their way! We hope you’ll join us in standing by our community and shopping small and local! #sbdainthecommunity #sbdashoplocal #sbdadance #sbdawebelueve #sbdalocalarts @sanbenitoarts_

Digital download is now available for pre-order; link will be sent Dec. 24! See Nutcracker Ticketing webpage for details! https://www.sanbenitodanceacademy.com/nutcracker-tickets.ht #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerdrivein #sbdanutcrackerdriveinevent #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcrackerseason2020 #sbdanutcrackerdigitaldownload #sbdanutcrackerdvd #sbdanutcracker2020 dvd #sbdanutcrackerdigitaldownload2020

Please watch this video to the end for ways you can support your local dance community. Ms. Amy created this video in collaboration with the dance organizations in San Benito County to showcase our diversity and passion, but also to help bring awareness to the state of performing arts groups during this challenging year. We hope you all try to find ways to support local performing arts groups in your community! In San Benito County we are extremely fortunate to have a diverse...Continue reading

The link to the digital program is live on our website to accompany you in your viewing either at the drive-in or at home when you watch the digital download (available for pre-order; links will be sent Dec. 24!). See Nutcracker Ticketing webpage for details! https://www.sanbenitodanceacademy.com/nutcracker-tickets.ht #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerdrivein #sbdanutcrackerdriveinevent #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcrackerseason2020 #sbdanutcrackerdigitaldownload #sbdanutcrackerdvd #sbdanutcracker2020 dvd #sbdanutcrackerdigitaldownload2020

Have you reserved your spot at the drive-in yet to see The Nutcracker? Our shows open this Friday 12/18 and run through next Wednesday 12/23! See website for details! Digital program is available via QR code at the event, or also accessible from our website! Pre-orders for Digital Download and streaming are also available on the Nutcracker Ticketing webpage! #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerdrivein #sbdanutcrackerdriveinevent #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcrackerseason2020

Here is the trailer for our Nutcracker drive-in shows that open this Friday 12/18 and run through next Wednesday 12/23! See website for details! https://www.sanbenitodanceacademy.com/nutcracker-tickets.ht #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerdrivein #sbdanutcrackerdriveinevent #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcrackerseason2020

Our San Benito Dance Academy production of The Nutcracker is featured on KSBW TV Action News 8’s Community Calendar all week long, leading up to our shows premi...ering on Friday, for the run of six days, with eight showtime options scheduled. Make sure you order entry and reserve for your vehicle, as space is limited each showing! Event info: https://fb.me/e/4M8Wte4it #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcracker #sbdainthenews #sbdainthemedia #sbdanutcrackertickets

Hello studio family: A reminder that we do have regularly-scheduled classes through Saturday, Dec. 19 to give you your full tuition's worth for this month! Our Nutcracker showings begin the night of Fri. Dec. 18th and run through Wed. Dec. 23rd. See the Nutcracker ticketing webpage for details on scheduling by cast, cost of vehicle reservation and passenger entry.... The studio will be closed during Winter Break December 20-January 10. We hope to start up the Winter/Spring Session for 2021 during the week of January 11. Stay tuned for an announcement of scheduling for the new year's session. Course offerings will be added, some leveling may change based on needs due to enrollment, and some times may vary due to changes in school scheduling, etc. Remember that those currently enrolled and having paid tuition in this month of December will have priority in enrollment for the new session. For any questions regarding your account, please be in contact with Admin/Bookkeeper Alisa. It's not typically our style to wait to announce scheduling and plans for the next session, but as I'm sure you all understand after the year we've had, planning is difficult in this present time. Thank you for your patience and understanding as things are not announced in advance due to our current circumstances; things change so quickly and we want to avoid confusion by announcing plans prematurely, especially if those plans have to change as we bend and pivot to suit ever-changing situations. We like to take all factors into consideration and forge forward by making a good plan to serve our community's current needs. Hope to see you all at some of the Nutcracker showings! Happy holidays and take care! Lara Lichten Director/Owner/Operator San Benito Dance Academy www.sanbenitodanceacademy.com Visit our online store! Office phone: 831-630-0188 (call/text)

Thanks to Mia with SBC Citizens for a Brighter Future for featuring us in the online 2020 Holiday Wish Book! We have gifts and experiences to be gifted ... dance lessons are gifts for a lifetime of fun, learning, artistic expression, and joy! https://sbcbrighterfuture.org/san-benito-holiday-wish-book/ #sbdainthecommunity #sbdastudiostore #sbdaswag #sbdanutcracker #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcracker2020

We were also honored to be featured in San Benito’s magazine publication of a local holiday gift guide. Thank you, Jenny Arbizu, for a lovely article in the San Benito Holiday Guide insert in this week’s edition of The Freelance Such a heartfelt expression summarizing the endeavors of our 2020 Nutcracker Season, and looking forward to our drive-in event premiering the showings of all four of our various casts, with eight showtime opportunities to watch the movie from the comfort of your vehicle, shop in an outdoor market setting for holiday gifts, and enjoy treats and goodies from concessions! #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcrackeronthego #sbdanutcrackerontheroad #sbdanutcrackerdrivein #sbdanutcrackerdriveinevent #sbdanutcrackerinthenews #sbdainthenews #sbdacommunity #sbdainthecommunity

Some of our Nutcracker dancers were featured in the Freelance after Lights On Celebrations this past weekend! #sbdainthecommunity #sbdalightson #sbdalightsonparade #sbdainlightsonparade #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcracker

Info about Nutcracker 2020 Drive-In premiere... featuring 8 showings; two of each of our four different casts filmed over the course of the past few months! Find more info about ticketing, vehicle reservations, and entrance fees on our website: https://www.sanbenitodanceacademy.com/nutcracker-tickets.ht

It’s GIVING TUESDAY! Donations will be matched by Facebook today only, until their $7m funds run out! Please donate early, so that your donation is matched!!!

Remember: Dec. 1st is when all ad content is due for shoutouts or advertisements on either the Big Screen at the Drive-In premiere showings Dec. 18-23, or in the interactive digital program! #sbdanutcracker #sbdanutcrackerads #sbdanutcrackeradvertising #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerdrivein #sbdanutcrackerseason13

We had a great time performing to keep warm, as thousands of cars crawled past, during the Lights On Celebration reverse parade put on by the Hollister Downto...wn Association. Thanks to all who supported with set up, tear down, and transportation each of the two days, braving the cold and windy weather, and dedicating their time and efforts to ensuring our small cast of participants this year could bring some Nutcracker joy to the Santa’s Workshop toy land theme this year (so fitting for all our doll-dancers and toy soldiers and such that are featured as characters in our production of The Nutcracker). We cannot wait to premiere the completed shows in our drive-in format, showing Dec. 18-23! #sbdainthecommunity #sbdanutcracker #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdalightsonparade #sbdalightson #sbdainlightsonparade See more

CYBER MONDAY: Have you reserved your vehicle entrance online yet for our Nutcracker Drive-In Showings? Also, check out our online storefront Accessible from our website STUDIO STORE. #sbdaswag and more! #sbdaonlinestore #sbdacybermonday #sbdastudiostore #sbdamerch #sbdanutcracker #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13

Join in supporting a good cause this #GivingTuesday as we raise money to replenish the San Benito Dance Foundation’s scholarship fund. Your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. And on GivingTuesday Dec 1, 2020, Facebook will match $7 million in qualifying donations. Thank you for your support.

Small Business Saturday! Please consider supporting SBDA’s Studio Store for holiday or gift purposes! We have gift certificates available always, if you can’t decide what your dancer may want to choose from! #sbdastudiostore #sbdagiftcertificate #sbdagifts #sbdaswag #sbdamerch

Are you all tired out yet from Black Friday shopping? Remember that our SBDA Studio Store is stocked with some great stockings (and stocking stuffers! ): all the essential leotards, tights, and shoes, but also fun winter accessories such as legwarmers, sweaters and wraps, warmup sweats, skirts, bags and totes, and performance essentials such as costume and show organizers, makeup bags, and specialty Nutcracker merch! Don’t forget all the fun dance gear that is sure to bring joy to your dancer all year long! December hours: M-F 3-6pm, Saturdays 8:30am-1pm. #sbdastudiostore #sbdacapeziocorner #sbdamerch #sbdaswag #sbdapparel #sbdanutcracker

This past weekend we filmed the Sugar Plum Fairy scene with sponsorship by DeBrito Chocolate Factory and the Mother Ginger scene at the Zanella’s open-air warehouse, as well as the Party Scene in distanced cohorts, and also got to collaborate with Animation Dance Community-ADC for an outdoor filming in downtown Hollister in front of San Benito County Arts Council ArtSpace! What a productive weekend, thanks to our community collaborations and sponsors, generous dance families who donated time and energy in setting up, transporting, and filming all these scenes that will be edited into our full-length production that will show Dec. 18-23 in a drive-in premiere! #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackeronthego #sbdanutcrackerontheroad #sbdatravelingnutcracker #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcracker #sbdainthecommunity

THE TICKETING SYSTEM FOR OUR NUTCRACKER 2020 DRIVE-IN EVENT SHOWINGS IS NOW SET UP AND LIVE, so you can purchase your entry to any of our 8 showings. Space is limited, so make sure to reserve your vehicle entry ASAP to ensure you get to see your dancer(s) in the designated cast! See ticketing information for further details. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-nutcracker-tickets-1305220

Some of our The Nutcracker - San Benito Dance Academy dancers will be sharing a space with Flying Colors Dance & Fitness at the Lights On Celebration reverse parade this year, sponsored by the Hollister Downtown Association! Come check out our dancers on Saturday between 6:45 - 8:00 pm and Sunday from 5:30 - 6:45 pm. Thank you to Amy at Flying Colors for collaborating with us and sharing resources. We love this tradition of the Lights On Parade every year and appreciate that Teri and the rest of the HDA and Ray Pulver crew, in conjunction with our HPD, are making this event possible during these trying times. We hope to see you driving by!

Thank you to DeBrito Chocolate Factory for the generous, sweet support in creating the set for our Sugar Plum Fairy to dance her solo this past weekend! We were blessed to showcase and collaborate with yet another local business as we film our Nutcracker production this year! #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackeronthego #sbdanutcrackerontheroad #sbdatravelingnutcracker #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcracker #sbdainthecommunity

LIGHTS ON CELEBRATION: Explanation & Sign Ups for this year's event: https://gem.godaddy.com/s/3761911

Looking ahead... We are closed for regularly-scheduled classes during Thanksgiving Week, Nov. 22-29. Details (scheduling, sign ups, etc.) will be forthcoming about the Lights On Celebration, for those who are involved in Nutcracker and want to participate in the line-up of mini scenes we are wanting to present, or for those who just want to attend to support and enjoy! The "reverse parade" component of the Hollister Downtown Association's Celebration will be held on Saturd...ay, Nov. 28 & Sunday, Nov. 29 this year, out at the airport, and we will be performing in parts of it each day, with a select contingent of cast members. Wear your SBDA/Nutcracker gear and cheer loudly for us as you drive through! View more info and details about the Lights On Celebration from the Hollister Downtown Association here: https://fb.watch/1N8K6x85fN/ #sbdascheduling #sbdafallsession2020 #hollisterlightsonparade #sbdatraditions #sbdanutcrackerseason2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcracker #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerontheroad #sbdanutcrackeronthego #hollisterlightsoncelebration #hollisterlightsonparade #

We thank Veterans for their service. (We are open for all regularly-scheduled classes today.)

This past weekend we filmed all over the historic district downtown, with the Victorian houses of friends and neighbors as our backdrop! Thank you to the generous families and businesses who allowed us to decorate and utilize your lovely property! And special thanks to Connie (site coordinator/location liaison), family, and other cast/crew/support members who contributed to putting up and taking down so much holiday decor (especially the handmade wreaths and garlands by Marni!) between each of our six different filming locations!! Additionally, we had rehearsals and costume fittings for various parts of Snow , Gingerbread Cookies , and Party Scene ! BUSY WEEKEND #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcrackerontheroad #sbdanutcrackeronthego #sbdanutcrackerrehearsals

TIGHTS SALE $8/pair This Saturday Only 11/07/2020 *must be in person to purchase #SBDAsaturdaysales #sbdamerch #sbdaswag #sbdapparel

In the November edition of the Mission Village Voice: an interview with and by this year’s Nutcracker split-cast Claras, Megan and Ali. Enjoy insight into this year’s unique spin on our traditional, annual The Nutcracker - San Benito Dance Academy production! #sbdainthenews #sbdamvvcolumn #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdainthecommunity #sbdaclaras #sbdanutcrackerseason #sbdanutcracker

Have you submitted content for advertising or contributed to supporting the production and its cast members through donations and sponsorship to our nonprofit partner, San Benito Dance Foundation? Watch this informational tutorial to find out how you can! You don’t want to miss out on advertising or shout-outs on the big-screen at the drive-in this year, or on opportunities to be featured in our interactive, digital program! #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcrackerinthecommunity #sbdainthecommunity #sanbenitodancefoundation #sbdfnonprofit #sbdfsponsor #sbdanutcrackersponsorship #sbdanutcrackeradvertising

We still have several poinsettias that are left unsponsored. This fundraiser will benefit our scholarship fund, which is desperately in need of being replenished after this season of giving to those in need, and to sponsor the production of the current Nutcracker Season in progress. If you are willing and able, please read details in the initial email below to see how you can sponsor a poinsettia, or just donate/contribute sponsorship towards the foundation’s nonprofit. Thank...Continue reading

Filming over the past weekend included the Court Scenes for the second act of The Nutcracker, featuring the lead characters and representative dancers from each of the country dances. Thank you to the County and City employees and Voter Volunteers for being flexible and accommodating, providing us with a gracious audience as we utilized the historic Veteran’s Memorial Hall building as a backdrop for the regal pomp and circumstance of our scenes, eve...n when things didn’t go 100% as planned. Then we moved up a few blocks in town to film the Nutcracker Vs. Mouse Queen fight of the Battle Scene in front of the Old City Hall/YMCA building’s facade. Some photos of rehearsals prior to filming are also included for posterity and your viewing pleasure #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcrackerfilming #sbdainthecommunity #sbdanutcrackerrehearsals #sbdanutcrackerrehearsals2020 #sbdanutcracker #sbdacourtscenes See more

Our hearts go out to the Fu family and those who worked at their restaurant, Cheung Sheng; they are a part of our extended dance family (especially with our involvements and collaboration -partnership with ADC during this Nutcracker season), and they also have relatives who dance with us. May our community find ways to support them in this tragic time.

Current Fall 2020 schedule of class cohorts

SBDA has classes as regularly-scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 31st. You may wear dance-appropriate costumes to your classes! #sbdahalloween #sbdatraditions #sbdacostumes #sbdaincostume

Happy World Ballet Day! ... the world is our oyster! #worldballetday #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerproduction #sbdaoutdoorinstruction #sbdaoutdoors #sbdainthecommunity #sbdaballerinas #sbdaballet #sbdawebelieve #sbda

Our October Tradition in Ms. Lara’s jazz classes... #sbdathriller #sbdatraditions #sbdajazz #sbdamichaeljackson https://www.instagram.com/tv/CG6eiSRgh87/

Monster medley Lyrical 2’s Monster Medley from today’s spooky class #sbdalyrical #sbdahalloween

Did you miss the first order of Nutcracker Sweatshirts for this season? A second order will be placed this weekend; get your order form in by Saturday! You’ll want to stay cozy and support the cast while we are out and about continuing to film in and around our community, and also for those chilly show nights at the drive-in theater come December show time!!! #sbdanutcrackersweatshirts2020 #sbdanutcrackersweatshirts #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcrackerseason #sbdanutcracker

We ended our night filming our Arabian scene at Kamal Yoga Studio after a LONG day of filming at various other locations around our county for Waltz of the Flowers parts. Thank you for allowing us to utilize your lovely space, to swing in the slings and use the silks to create a mystical, magical scene for our #SBDANutcracker2020 production! We cannot wait to put it all together, edit it, and show it on the Big Screen!!! #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdainthecommunity #sbdaontheroad #sbdanutcracker #sbdanutcrackerseason

Waltz of the Flower filmed in many locations around San Benito County this weekend: our very own (transformed) studioblack boxed with floral backdrops, ivy, and live flowers galore!, Airline Highway (25) by Ace Hardware, a private residence with a view over Hollister and the valley (thank you, Jaroszewski family!), some agricultural fields at the corner of Union and 156 and Jardines de San Juan. Thank you for being so welcoming and accommodating. We were happy to put on a mini show for dinner guests and patronize your yummy business while there filming! #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerontheroad #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdainthecommunity #sbdanutcracker #sbdanutcrackerseason

First we did a bit of community service picking up trash and weeding the sidewalks... and then we danced (filming on-location along Airline Highway by Ace for part of the Waltz of the Flowers scene)! #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdainthecommunity #sbdacommunityservice #sbdanutcracker #sbdainaction

A glimpse of the Arabian country dance during a dress rehearsal tonight, prior to filming tomorrow. We cannot wait to edit and show our community this production... the product of many talented dancers and artistic choreographers, backed by dedicated support team members comprised of family and friends, and featuring the historic sites, landmarks, and local business filming locations all around our beloved community. This is truly a community effort! The production draws us close and exemplifies community collaboration and joint efforts even if physical distancing must be maintained. We are not distant in our love for one another and the beautiful products that can be achieved by our joint-collaborative efforts! #sbdnutcracker2020 #sbdacommunity #sbdainthecommunity #sbdanutcrackerseason2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13

Thank you to Casa de Fruta for permitting us to film all over your grounds of the candy and ice cream/sweets shop on Tuesday afternoon, the grocery and produce ...market-barn, the wine tasting room and deli, and your magical groundspond, water wheel, peacocks, train, and carousel (just to name a few of the iconic landmarks and locations on-site!). Your staff members were so accommodating and friendly, going out of their way to accommodate us and allow us to utilize a bit of the space here and there and everywhere. Tourists and shoppers were considerate and captivated by our lovely dancers and their whimsical costumes. What a picturesque and perfect backdrop for our #SBDANutcracker2020 Land of Sweets Our Director/Producer, choreographers, dancers and parents thank you for allowing us to showcase their dance talents and feature an historic local business to continue our Nutcracker tradition in a new way #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcrackertraditions #sbdanutcrackerseason2020

Filming Weekend 2 of 10 this Nutcracker Season on the road out and about in our county, filming against historic backdrops and iconic landmarks and businesses around our community! Bringing a time-honored tradition of the classical Nutcracker out in the great outdoors! Love our soldier and mousy masks by @_sharley_rose (thank you ). Spanish and battle scenes filmed #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcrackerfilming

The first order of Nutcracker sweatshirts are in! If you missed the first order, there is still time to submit your form for the next onedue before Oct. 31! #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackersweatshirts #sbdanutcrackersweatshirts2020

**PLEASE SHARE** San Benito Dance Foundation is partnering with San Benito Dance Academy in support of the 13th annual production of The Nutcracker this year. T...he nonprofit foundation aids in the pivoting that is taking place in order to produce a new take on our version of the traditional Nutcracker production (filmed this year, instead of performed live on a stage). As we are filming the scenes in smaller cohorts this year, in locations both in-studio at SBDA as well as mostly around our community on property of local business establishments or landmarks, there is a need to diversify the materials and supplies for sets, backdrops, and props as we hit the road and continually broaden the scenes for a film-quality experience! We have the great opportunity to present a fundraiser to "Sponsor a Poinsettia," in which the funds you donate to the nonprofit SBDF will not only support the production, but also earn you a gift of a beautiful, artificial potted poinsettia in return, once filming of the production concludes this holiday season! The first 12 poinsettias sponsored will be a special battery-operated light-up poinsettia that brings an extra, magical sparkle to your holiday decor. Cash/check payments made out to San Benito Dance FOUNDATION, for sponsorship of (a requested donation of) $25 per plant will be accepted one of the following ways: 1. Drop off at San Benito Dance Academy office: 101 McCray St. Suite 104, Hollister, CA 95023 or leave in the mail-slot drop-box if office is closed 2. Mail to the above address Please include with your donation a note with: your full name mailing address phone number email address, if desired the number of poinsettias you would like to sponsor, especially if your donation generously exceeds the amount of the suggested donation of $25/plant. A receipt for your tax-deductible donation will be issued, and your name will be featured as a sponsor in the SBDA Nutcracker program as well as the production credits on the big screen at the Drive-In! Your donation will greatly benefit the nonprofit San Benito Dance Foundation, in support of SBDA's annual Nutcracker production! Thank you in advance for your support! Office phone: 831-630-0188 (call/text) SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow & Like us on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/sanbenitodanceacademy/ https://www.facebook.com/thenutcrackerballet/ Check us out & Follow us on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/san_benito_dance_academy/

This weekend was the first of nine that we will be filming around San Benito County in our cohorts of small casts! The Shepherdess scene filmed its cohort up at... the Cienega Garden Cottage . We also had fittings for Soldier and Mouse cohorts, fittings and rehearsals for Sweets , Spanish , and Arabian at Kamal Yoga Studio where we were so blessed to enjoy a tutorial and playtime getting creative to re-vamp our mystic scene with a cohort of bendy yet controlled dancers and gymnasts on silk slings! We are blessed in this community where we live! #sbdanutcrackerontheroad #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcracker #sbdawebelieve #sbdawebelieveinthefuture #sbdaarabian #sbdashepherdess #sbdasweets See more

Hello Nutcracker Cast & families, PLEASE READ AND TAKE ACTION ON THE ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS UPDATE! We need the help of an army of volunteers this season, in capacities different from what a normal Nutcracker Season would look like for a stage production. Some special needs are highlighted; please follow the link to this update to read more and sign up for some of the many opportunities to help and be involved with this Nutcracker Season! WE NEED YOUR HELP! https://gem.godad...dy.com/p/1126611 (All these updates can be accessed and referenced at any time from the Nutcracker Participant's Page of our website: https://www.sanbenitodanceacademy.com/the-nutcracker--parti) Thank you in advance for your support! Lara Lichten Director/Owner/Operator San Benito Dance Academy

We have all the essentials at the SBDA Studio Store for this shotgun season of the Nutcracker 2020, rehearsing and filming all our scenes in various locations around San Benito County! We want to remind you... SBDA Nutcracker 2020 Sweatshirtsforms for the second order are still being received! Legwarmers, warmup sweaters and legwarmers and gear are available! Boots (to cover dance shoes for offsite locations) are restocked in various sizes and styles! Lashes without ...glue: $3. With glue: $5. Cut to length of lid. Practice and performance tights in pink or nude shades available. Nude leotards are mandatory to wear under all costumesmakes for easy on-site changing when we film! ...All sold at our studio store! #sbdastudiostore #sbdapparel #sbdanutcrackerseason2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason2020 See more

Thanks, Ms. Elizabeth for writing a great column for the Mission Village Voice this month! We are so blessed to have you back on the West Coast, educating yourself and continuing to impart your knowledge and expertise to our SBDA students. You are a role model and a joy to have in our SBDA Dance Family. #sbdainthemedia #sbdainthenewspaper #sbdainthenews #sbdainthecommunity #sbdainstructors #sbdaalum #sbdawebelieve #sbdadancersareresilient

Hello Nutcracker Cast & families, PLEASE READ THIS UPDATE CAREFULLY, as you work on planning and gathering all necessary supplies for the season ahead: https://gem.godaddy.com/p/a8de511 (All these updates can be accessed and referenced at any time from the Nutcracker Participant's Page of our website: https://www.sanbenitodanceacademy.com/the-nutcracker--parti)... Lara Lichten Director/Owner/Operator San Benito Dance Academy www.sanbenitodanceacademy.com Visit our online store! Office phone: 831-630-0188 (call/text)

From Clara Coronation to first fittings and rehearsals , this Nutcracker Season 2020 is fully underway with cohorts rehearsing, reconfiguring, and revitalizing traditional choreography to work for our present times and circumstances. This weekend we had fittings for leads and began rehearsals for Shepherdess , Harlequins and Battle Scenes . #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcrackerseason2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerrehearsals #sbdanutcrackerrehearsals2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason2020 #sbdamousequeen #sbdaclaras #sbdacoronation #sbdaclaracoronation #sbdapassingofthecrowns

The Nutcracker 2020 Cast List has been released and posted. Those who auditioned and studio members were emailed list and scheduling details for this cohort and socially distanced season ahead, to film our production around our beloved town of Hollister and greater San Benito County, featuring our dancers at local landmarks and business locations in this community production and holiday tradition that is not to be neglected, this year of all times! #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcracker #sbdawebelieve #sbdawebelieveintradition #sbdawebelieveinthefuture #sbdawebelieveinthenutcracker

We plan on participating this year! Stay tuned for details!

Cast List Announcement, Nutcracker 2020 + Scheduling https://gem.godaddy.com/p/cdd9511

Thank you for continually voting for our dance studio in our county’s Best of awards. We are so blessed to be a part of this supportive community, especially during times such as these. Congrats to the other businesses and individuals featured for their service to our community. #lovewhereyoulive #sanbenitobestof #sanbenitobestof2020 @hollisterfreelance

Nutcracker Audition weekend was slow and meditated (LONG DAYS for judges, instructors, and our volunteers who were dedicated to putting on this year’s auditions safely), with distanced cohort groupings presented to a judging panel. We now deliberate in casting. The list will be released later this week, and rehearsal begin this Saturday! We cannot wait for this whirlwind of a season to rehearse and film in locations and landmarks all around our county! #sbdanutcracker2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcrackercasting2020 #sdbanutcrackercasting

Post-Audition Update: follow up and casting timeline details https://gem.godaddy.com/p/c8a6511

We are excited... https://www.sanbenitodanceacademy.com/the-nutcracker--the-a

Nutcracker Season Sweatshirts order forms are available, and the deadline for the order is 10/3, so that our cast and crew can be sporting them all over Hollister and the greater San Benito County when we are out on our filming shoots this season! #sbdanutcrackerseason2020 #sbdanutcrackerseason13 #sbdanutcrackersweatshirts #sbdanutcrackersweatshirts2020

Nutcracker Season 2020 info: auditions and reinventing the way we do tradition!

We got to celebrate another Pointe Award Letter ceremony with our studio family today! Congrats, Hannah and Lillian on all your hard work and achieving your goals in working hard toward developing proper strength and technique for safe pointe training in your future! #sbdapointeawards #sbdapointeawardceremony #sbdapointeletter #sbdapinkenvelopes #sbdapinkenvelope #sbdapointeletters

SBDA Nutcracker Season 2020 Community Involvement: a call for sponsorship, donations, and participation in SBDA's visionary reinvention of our 13th annual tradition! Not a dancer? Don’t want to audition or be on-screen? We have many other ways for our community members to be involved in the reinvention of this classic holiday tradition; we want businesses and community members in Hollister and the greater San Benito County to be a part of this memorable production! You’re not going to want to miss out on ways to promote your business and get involved through advertising or sponsorship, or otherwise participate and take in the magic of SBDA’s Nutcracker Season! PLEASE SHARE! https://gem.godaddy.com/p/7110511