Steppin' Out

Cover Story

Photograph by Tom Hauck

Robin Cornwell and Aaron Thayer perform in Smuin Ballet's annual holiday show.

Christmas Ball

Smuin Ballet's show decks the halls a bit differently each year

By Heather Zimmerman

When it comes to holiday traditions, Bay Area audiences have always had room in their hearts for the classics as well as things a little less ... well, traditional. Smuin Ballet's The Christmas Ballet is a local favorite of the latter persuasion.

The company presents the 2007 edition of the well-loved holiday show Nov. 28-Dec. 2 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View.

The Christmas Ballet has become its own tradition in the years since its 1995 debut, but it's never exactly the same show twice. And it's not even strictly all ballet, either. One of the show's signature pieces is a contemporary romp set to Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby."

In fact, the first act of The Christmas Ballet focuses more on the classical side of ballet, with the second act taking a more modern approach. The 2007 edition, as usual, includes some surprises in addition to the legendary choreography of the late Michael Smuin.

Tickets are $38-$53. For more information, call 650.903.6000 or visit www.smuinballet.org.