Laid Off Sacramento Ballet Dancers Pitch In For One Last Performance

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Money issues forced the Sacramento Ballet to unexpectedly close earlier this month, but some members of the ballet troupe who were laid off don't want the performances to end.

The dancers says they were notified just weeks ago of a Sacramento Ballet shortfall of about $80,000. The loss was tough—no more paychecks or performances, and the annual Beer and Ballet series set for later this month was canceled.

But after the shock wore off, the dancers' entrepreneurial spirit kicked in. The dancers all pitched in doing everything from designing flyers to sewing the costumes. One dancer who works at New Helvetia Brewing Company went to his boss, David Gull, for help.

"These kinds of things these civic amenities are way too important not to support," Gull said.

With a sponsor on board and backing from Concerts 4 Charity, the group's first performance began taking shape. The dancers know other arts organizations in Sacramento are facing tough times, but they're hoping this leap of faith draws new fans and funds.

Their first performance will be on Saturday at the Crest Theatre.