Ballet Yuma introduces first sensory-friendly Nutcracker Ballet
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Ballet Yuma is bringing a brand new addition to this year's 31st Annual Nutcracker production. For the first time ever, they're introducing a sensory-friendly performance designed to make this holiday tradition accessible to all.
There will be three classic performances plus a fourth sensory-friendly performance at McBride Auditorium at Snider Hall at Yuma High School December 12-14.
"Many times there are parents of children who don't feel their kids might be able to come to the Nutcracker if they're a little wiggly, or if they have any type of special needs or anything like that, so we just want to make it all inclusive," said Ballet Yuma artistic director Emma M.K. Cong.
They say a private donor helped make it all possible and share what it includes.
"Our lights are not going to be all the way dimmed. They're not going to be all the way off. Our music's going to be down a little bit. I'm taking out some of the explosions that we have on stage, and we've also rented an extra room that we have filled with sensory-friendly toys if kids need to step out for a moment," said Cong.
Ballet Yuma is also showing gratitude to our military families.
"We partnered with MCAS their EFMP program, Exceptional Family Members Program, to sponsor 90 children's tickets to families that really are in need of this, and we just thought it was a great way to honor and give thanks and gratitude to our military families," said Ballet Yuma administrative assistant Alexandria Urias.
Here's the event schedule & ticket prices:
- Friday, December 12 at 7:00 pm
- Tickets: $20.00, $25.00, $30.00
- Saturday, December 13 at 10:30 am
- Tickets: $20.00 "sensory friendly"
- Saturday, December 13 at 3:00 pm
- Tickets: $20.00, $25.00, $30.00
- Sunday, December 14 at 1:00 pm
- Tickets: $20.00, $25.00, $30.00
