American Contemporary Ballet 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071

"I have been to two of their performances and love this ballet company. To sit so close and have a live music with the ballet is just a unique wonderful experience. Beautiful original ballet performed in an untimely setting. Just great!!"

"What the ACB has done with the Nutcracker Suite is absolutely incredible! To feel like you are part of this beautiful performance as an audience member is an incredibly unique experience. I have seen the ACB's Nutcracker Suite a handful times and each time it is more magical than the last. Attending the Nutcracker Suite has become the kickoff to the holiday season for my family. So much so that we have already purchased tickets to two shows and are planning to purchase more so that we can spread the magic and holiday cheer with our family and friends! The ACB has truly captured the holiday spirit in this beautiful production."

"ACB is a relatively young company comprised of skillful and passionate dancers (many with years of experience with this company and others) and a director/choreographer focused on classical/Balanchine style but with a view to the future. Performances tend to be just a little over an hour with live, not canned, music so they are an excellent introduction for audiences new to, and perhaps a little intimidated by, the art form as well as those more knowledgeable looking for technical and artistic excellence. The upcoming Nutcracker performances will be very family friendly and a terrific way to introduce children to both the art of the performer and to the "art" of attending a performance. In addition to dance performances, the Company occasionally does demonstrations and lectures ("Dancing School" and "Conversations") that provide the audience with a way to learn more about, and to more profoundly appreciate (and to understand what to look for in), the technique, context and history of ballet and to develop a deeper appreciation of the art. All performances end with an opportunity to meet and talk to the performers, musicians and directors. With the dual focus on the art (technique, musicality, artistry) and education (for the dancers as well as the audience), this Company is unique here in Los Angeles and quite extraordinary throughout the dance world. Having attended performances for six or more seasons, I can recommend it wholeheartedly as a way to enjoy and learn about ballet."

"My husband and I have been attending shows for about 4 seasons now. It makes for a fun date night. Friends that we’ve introduced to ACB are often blown away. Some of my favorite shows are Astaire Dances around Valentine’s Day and the Nutcracker Suite (an immersive experience) around the holidays. We love the intimate setting, the live music! Be sure to stick around after the show to get to know the dancers, the artistic director and executive director. They are super approachable and make themselves available if you want to learn more about the company. It’s a lovely ballet company I’m happy to support."

"I watched them perform the Nutcracker suite which were pieces from the second act performed out of order. The quaint setting is such that you can hear the dancers breathing because you are so close. As a former dancer it was a treat to watch. Perched some 17 floors high, the windows of then studio l are frosted with fake snow and the host gives everyone a glass of champagne. Since the Nutcracker is all about sweets and sugarplums, the dancers periodically passed out candy. I don't think I'll ever see the Nutcracker in an opera house again. I much prefer the quaint setting."