Pasadena Dance Theatre has appointed Eric Shah and Jean Michelle Sayeg (upper left) as Co-Artistic Directors. The duo will debut their leadership with a reimagined production of the classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker” this December. [Production Photos of The Nutcracker by Kirk Jackson. Other imagery courtesy Pasadena Dance Theatre]
“We are confident that Jean and Eric will honor and build upon the more than 65-year legacy and foundation of Pasadena Dance Theatre as well as bring in new ideas and creative pursuits for the future,” said Nancy Schmieder, Vice President of the Pasadena Dance Theatre Board of Directors. “We are looking forward to seeing what they do with that synergy of past and future, together with their collaborative working relationship, here at PDT.”
“Returning to PDT feels like coming home,” said Sayeg, who trained at Pasadena Dance Theatre from age eight to seventeen before furthering her career at San Francisco Ballet. She later performed as soloist in principal roles at State Street Ballet and Smuin Ballet SF, appearing at prestigious venues including the War Memorial Opera House, Lincoln Center, Hollywood Bowl, and Music Center.
Shah brings 20 years of professional dance and education experience, with plans to connect and collaborate with local Pasadena arts organizations while growing Pasadena Dance Theatre’s legacy.
The reimagined “Nutcracker” follows young Clara’s magical journey to the Land of Sweets with her Nutcracker Prince, featuring beloved characters from the Sugar Plum Fairy to the Mouse King. World-renowned guest artists Aaron Smyth and Matisse Love will join Pasadena Dance Theatre Alumni, local professionals, and conservatory dancers in the production.
New elements include live performances by The High Notes of the Pasadena Chorale and two authentic Chinese Dragons celebrating the Year of the Dragon, symbolizing good fortune, strength, and power. Master Instructor Kin Lam will coach dancers in traditional Dragon movements, while Arturo Fernandez, former Ballet Master Emeritus of Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet, choreographs the Arabian dance. The U.S. National Men’s Four Acrobatic Gymnasts Team will bring extraordinary athleticism to the Russian dance sequence.
International Ovation Award-winning Lighting Designer Jared Sayeg returns to Pasadena Dance Theatre, where his career began. “PDT embraced my eagerness as a young kid with a dream to work backstage: where I was fortunate to meet my mentor, lighting designer Liz Stillwell,” he said. “Coming back twenty-five years later with my sister and collaborating on the production where we got our start has been a gift.”
Performances run December 20-22, 2024, at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse (320 South Mission Drive, San Gabriel, California), with shows Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. VIP ticket packages include a backstage tour, meet-and-greet with dancers, photo opportunities on the Throne holding the Nutcracker, and a Sugar Plum Fairy gift bag.
Tickets are available at https://missionplayhouse.
