Ovation Ballet Company

The Nutcracker! What a great Christmas time tradition to share with young children. As we enter fall I am already thinking about Christmas festivities! I realized I had not published my review before — and thought now just the right time to do so!
This past Christmas (’11) I was looking high and low for an affordable, approachable, truly child-​friendly (casual) performance of the Nutcracker in the Austin area. (I inquired about, of course, the extremely high priced, formal professional version down town and knew that was not quite what I was looking for.) I sent emails and made phone calls and stumbled upon The Ovation Ballet Company Nutcracker. I am very glad that I did.
The tickets were very affordable and the show was held at the Vandegrift High School. Perfect! My group was very excited when I announced that we would be going to the show, and NO they would not have to wear formal Sunday clothes. They were free to just enjoy the performance.
I highly recommend this for families and children. It’s formal enough that kids get a clear sense of the excitement and preparation of the participants but casual enough not to dampen or overwhelm the young visitor! This version was just long enough to hold their attention as well. It’s the feel of an upscale recital. The show itself featured a wide range of ages (mostly children), body types (both height and weight varied greatly), ethnicity, and ballet experience.
The venue allowed for very easy and ample parking and large clean rest rooms to boot. The Vandergrift auditorium is intimate enough to allow the very last row to see clearly and not feel nose bled. The seating was quite comfortable.
Apparently Ovation Ballet Company has been doing this for a long time and they told me that they usually sell out. I plan to get tickets again this year and bring a group of young kids! It’s the perfect kid friendly and family friendly tradition or introduction to the performing arts!