Tag: family fun

Rising Stars Shine in the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s Nutcracker

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio has your ticket to a world of winter wonder. Photo: Infinite Photography SA.

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio Brings Holiday Magic Back to the Stage

San Antonio, TX — Cherished traditions make the holidays truly special, and this year, the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is once again lighting up the season with spectacular productions sure to captivate audiences of all ages. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2025)

A Beloved Holiday Classic Returns

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s enchanting production of The Children’s Nutcracker returns to the iconic Lila Cockrell Theatre December 12–14. Audiences can expect breathtaking choreography, lavish costumes, and stunning scenery brought to life by some of the most talented young dancers in Bexar County.

For families seeking a magical holiday tradition, this professional-level production is one you won’t want to miss.

A Decade of Excellence in Youth Performing Arts

For more than ten years, CBSA has been a leader in youth performing arts, pairing professional training with exceptional performance opportunities. Under the guidance of acclaimed Artistic Director Vanessa Bessler, Master Ballet Teachers, and top local choreographers, CBSA dancers have earned international awards and received scholarships to prestigious institutions such as:

  • John Cranko School (Stuttgart Ballet, Germany)
  • Royal Ballet School (London)
  • School of American Ballet (New York City)

Rising Stars Bring ‘The Children’s Nutcracker’ to Life

CBSA’s mission to elevate young artists, including pint-sized prima ballerinas, gifted young adult dancers, and inspiring performers with special needs, is on full display in this year’s production.

Honoring Tchaikovsky’s original score and the classic Nutcracker tradition, the 90-minute performance is perfectly crafted to keep younger audiences engaged from beginning to end.

This season’s featured dancers include Daniela Quiroga, Jaida Soleman, William Bessler, Joaquin Marsh, Inez Dunne, Louise Picha, and Gigi Natho, who will perform beloved roles such as Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Cavalier. Opulent costumes, magical sets, and exquisite choreography promise to delight both longtime fans and first-time viewers of this timeless tale.

Festive Fun Begins Before the Curtain Rises

Guests can get into the holiday spirit early with a charming pre-show holiday market featuring unique gifts and collectibles. Families can enjoy seasonal treats, take photos with Santa, meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and cast members, and enjoy joyful performances from the San Antonio Academy Wildcat’s Chorale and Mariachi Orgullo del Sur.

Event Details

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio Presents: The Children’s Nutcracker

Show Dates & Times

  • Fri, Dec 12 — 7:00 p.m.
  • Sat, Dec 13 — 2:00 p.m.
  • Sun, Dec 14 — 2:00 p.m.

Note: Holiday Market and Photos with Santa and the cast open one hour prior to showtime.

Location:
Lila Cockrell Theatre
200 E. Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

About the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) professional-level ballet company that showcases the city’s most talented young dancers. Performers are selected by audition or invitation, and receive extensive training and performance experience.

Mission:
To inspire excellence and prepare children for creative, productive lives through dance by offering world-class training and performance opportunities to talented youth from all backgrounds.

Theater review: ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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‘The Wizard of Oz’ is now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre through July 29. Photo courtesy of Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

There are just two weekends left to catch the family-friendly musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the Woodlawn Theatre. It runs through Sunday July 29 with show times every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is the story of Dorothy Gale, who lives in Kansas and after being blown away by a twister, ends up in the magical world of Oz. Together with Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion, she searches for her way home. Tickets are on sale online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors, military and first responders and $30 for adults. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount.

After the Overture, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ begins with Madeline Gutierrez’ poignant rendition of “Over the Rainbow” and the audience is introduced to Dorothy who wishes she could escape to a nicer place. When her mean neighbor Miss Gulch threatens to take her dog Toto away, she runs away and meets Professor Marvel “The Wonders of the World” and begs him to let her come along with him in his travels. They are interrupted when a twister hits and she runs back home for shelter but once inside the house, it gets blown away by the storm. It lands in Oz and flattens the Wicked Witch of the East and Dorothy is greeted by the Glinda, the Good Witch of the North and the Munchkins “Munchkinland.” Glinda tells Dorothy that the Wizard of Oz might be able to help her return home “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.” On her way to the Emerald City to speak with the Wizard, she meets the Scarecrow, who wants a brain, the Tin Man, who wants a heart and the Lion, who wants courage. Eventually the Wizard grants them their wish, which they had inside them all along and Glinda helps Dorothy return home via the ruby slippers.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ is a crowd pleaser as the humor and heart are well balanced and the combination of spectacular settings and quality performances by the cast makes this a show the entire family can enjoy together. Show highlights include Glinda’s grand entrance, the cast’s performance of “Follow The Yellow Brick Road” and “If I Only Had a Brain” by the Scarecrow, Dorothy and the Crows. Manny as Toto is a definite scene stealer, especially during a group scene at last Saturday’s performance when he chased the Lion’s tail. A special mention goes to Joshua Buce who plays the Lion and whose comic genius makes the role an uproarious delight to witness. He was recently seen as Lord Farquaad in ‘Shrek, the Musical,’ a similarly comic role for which he received an ATAC Globe Award.  This weekend, escape the heat and bring the kids to experience live theater at its best. This classic never goes out of style and is a must-see.

Free admission to San Antonio Museum of Art for Spring Break

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The San Antonio Museum of Art is offering free general admission on Tuesday March 14, 2017.  Photo: google

Spring break is coming up soon and the San Antonio Museum of Art is making it easy for families to spend time together. On Tuesday March 14 from 10a.m. to 9p.m. the Museum is having free general admission with planned fun activities throughout the day. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2017)

Guests will be able to take part in Pattern Palooza, a festival of art activities with painting, drawing and collage from noon to 4p.m. Children can spin records and learn more about digital music with the AM Project Bass Bus, an arts and digital program for children. At 5:30p.m. there will be a guided tour of the exhibition Of Country and Culture: The Lam Collection of Contemporary Aboriginal Art where visitors can learn more about Aboriginal people’s culture and art. There is a $10 surcharge for adults 18 years and up to see this exhibition. Local artist Terry Ybanez will be in the Museum galleries from 6p.m. to 8p.m. and guests will be able to join in the fun and sketch along with him for $10. To finish off the day there will be a sundown screening of Rabbit-Proof Fence (PG), a 2002 Australian drama film about the Stolen Generation. Throughout the day guests will be able to enjoy food from on-site food trucks including Cajun specialties from Cajun on da Geaux, tacos from Hot Burras and festival food from Drake’s Fun Food Truck.

San Antonio Museum of Art
200 W Jones Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 978-8100

Sweethearts Dance at Pearl

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Sweethearts Dance is a family friendly Valentine’s Day celebration that will be held at the Pearl on Saturday February 18. Photo courtesy of Pearl, used with permission.

On Saturday February 18 there will be a family Valentine’s Day celebration at the Pearl Stable especially suited for the little ones. This family friendly celebration will take place from 5p.m. to 8p.m. and will feature music and dancing, love-themed arts and crafts, a photo booth, sweet and salty treats and a champagne bar for the adults. Tickets are available online and are priced at $25 for one adult and two children, $10 for each additional adult and $5 for each additional child. Children under two years old are free. To make the evening extra fun, fancy whimsical attire is recommended. (Pearl,2017)

Pearl Stable
307 Pearl Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-9539