A little help to keep the Nutcracker on stage

Every year, we look forward to winter for many reasons — one of them being our big sister Léna’s Nutcracker performance.
She’s been a member of the Peninsula Lively Arts company for seven years now, which means we’ve watched seven Nutcrackers so far (and counting!).

We’ve mentioned her company before — last year, they ordered many of our Nutcracker and Clara cards to sell at the boutique during the show.

This year, their artistic director, Gregory Amato, also ordered cards of Don Quixote after they performed it. We’re really grateful for the trust they’ve placed in us.

We also knew that even established local dance companies often struggle to cover all their production costs so we decided to create a special card and donate all profits from its sales to Peninsula Lively Arts.

Sugar Plum Fairy watercolor — to watercolor

Just as we started illustrating it this week, we received an email from Gregory Amato urgently asking for community support.
Here’s part of his message:

“Due to rising production costs and a decrease in grant funding, our nonprofit dance company is facing significant financial challenges. Without stronger community support, it will be difficult to bring our annual Nutcracker to the stage — a loss for our students, dancers, families, and audiences.”

Honestly, reading that made us really sad.
It feels like our card is just a drop in the ocean — but it’s still something we can do.

Fortunately, Peninsula Lively Arts’ Board President clarified that rehearsals are still underway and that the smaller “Nutcracker Sweets” shows — their shorter, family-friendly performances — will still take place.
The larger theater production is the one that remains uncertain, and they’re asking for support so these beloved performances can go on.

If you enjoy live dance performances and would like to support them too, you can do so by buying the new card (all proceeds go to them, and it will be available on our website in December), making a direct donation, or attending the Nutcracker Sweets.