Monday, Nov. 20, 2006 | 7:33 a.m.
There seems to a lot of love lately between Mayor Oscar Goodman and the Nevada School of the Arts.
After hearing students perform at a recent gala, Goodman turned around and invited the students to perform Wednesday during a ceremonial portion of the City Council meeting.
Maybe it's a sign of things to come. Should a renovated and adapted Fifth Street School become the "cultural oasis" Goodman is anticipating, then we'll likely see more of the young musicians.
Nevada School of the Arts was chartered as a nonprofit school in 1977, but has only a home for its administrative offices. It has been allocated 5,000 square feet in the historic downtown building and required to pay only utility bills.
The change will be significant for the music school's 400 students and 40 teachers. Lessons are given at various locations. Lessons are offered for musicians of all ages, including a Suzuki program.
At the council meeting, Jeremy Rhizor performed Wieniawski's "Polonaise" in D minor. Performing Sarasate's "Navarra" (a Spanish dance) were Rhizor, Sydney Barcelon, Alex Gonzalez, Roxanne Hidalgo, Yubi Kim, Ryan Patton and Tena Shizuma.
"The mayor was so impressed at the gala that he wanted people to understand that that's the quality of musicians and artists who will be calling the Fifth Street School their home," city spokesman Jace Radke said.
Mary Straub, music instructor with Nevada School of the Arts, said, "It was our way of thanking the mayor for all he's done in getting us into the building."
'Nutcracker' competition concerns Nevada Ballet
In the middle of a 70-city tour, the Moscow Ballet blew through Henderson last week with a one-night performance of its "Great Russian Nutcracker" at the Henderson Pavilion.
Though it was a chilly night, heat was piped in for the canopied audience and hot chocolate was provided free. Families wrapped in blankets nibbled on popcorn. Some little girls wore holiday dresses while others bundled in sweatshirts. The crisp air added to the seasonal ambience. It was undoubtedly a magical evening.
But it's no secret in the dance world that cash-strapped regional ballet companies rely on their own ever-popular "Nutcracker" performances to fund a good chunk of their season. So when Nevada Ballet Theatre got wind of the touring production, its staff was a little concerned.
"We just hope that people come and see ours," says Bruce Steivel, artistic director of Nevada Ballet Theatre. "It's our bread and butter for the entire season. It's a significant part of our ticket sales."
Steivel says that 55 percent of a season's ticket sales comes from the "Nutcracker" and about 25 percent of the company's earned income.
Nevada Ballet Theatre sells about 9,000 tickets for its holiday run, which begins next month with 17 productions. Nearly 2,000 people attended the Moscow Ballet's concert.
Steivel says the company learned of the production when it was too late to talk with the city of Henderson.
"We have enough competition from the Strip," Steivel says. "I welcome other companies to come in, but when they brought in the 'Nutcracker,' that's when we put up a stop sign."
Moscow Ballet is a touring company that also presents "Swan Lake" and "Cinderella."
Bud Pico, programming manager for the city of Henderson, department of cultural affairs and tourism, says he had no idea that its performance of "The Great Russian Nutcracker" would concern Nevada Ballet: "We do support our local artists. We were not trying to compete with anybody. This was an opportunity to present something unique ... and on a different side of town. The valley, being as large as it is, can accommodate both groups."
Pico added that the performance included young dancers from Fern Adair Conservatory of the Arts.
Because of its success, Pico says the city is looking to program the Moscow Ballet performance again next year.
Steivel said, "So far it has not impacted our ticket sales. Compared to last year, we're already ahead."
Classical guitar
Classical guitarist Ricardo Cobo will perform at 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Doc Rando Recital Hall in UNLV's Beam Music Center. Tickets are $35. For more information, call 895-2787.
archive
