A ballet performance can be such a beautiful way to tell a story through dance, music, costumes and set design, sans words. I will never forget the first time my parents took me to see The Nutcracker Ballet in San Francisco and that feeling of excitement and anticipation to witness ballerinas dance on stage and tell a story.  I followed every second of every act and knew exactly what was happening. The graceful movements, the dramatic music, the fancy sets and costumes took me to another world; it was as if I was apart of Clara’s dream.

I didn’t expect Module 10 The Power of Stories, to take me to this place, the memory of going to see The Nutcracker.

While watching The Power of Stores video I was moved by Kylie Carlson’s story because we share the same experience of parenting children on the spectrum. The Sensitive Santa event was such a brilliant and kind program. I loved the patience, the compassion, and the kindness the library provided so that children on the spectrum could experience what it was like to meet Santa in a peaceful and calm environment.

I started to reflect about children on the spectrum and the concept of telling stories without words and then I remembered listening to an interview with the San Francisco Ballet, talking about how 2023 was their second year producing an all-inclusive Nutcracker performance. They partnered with The Autism Society of San Francisco Bay Area, creating a special rendition of the Nutcracker ballet for everyone to enjoy. So many times families with neurodivergent children do not attend such special performances because it can be too much sensory overload to endure and all the rules and etiquette are too stressful and almost impossible to follow. However, the SF Ballet took the chance to change that and opened doors for everyone to come see The Nutcracker.  For example, the lights were left on for those who were sensitive to the dark; if anyone wanted to sing or express emotions using voice or clapping hands during any time of the performance, that was welcomed; the orchestra removed loud and startling sounds which can be very triggering; there are quite rooms for children to take breaks in and go back to the theater when they are feeling ready; there’s a space in the back of the seating section for anyone who wants to dance during the performance, plus so much more!

They created a safe space for children of all ages to experience this wonderful story in a welcoming and safe environment. They even provided a Resource Guide called the Sensory Friendly Visual Checklist on their website which can be very useful for people to prepare for the event ahead of time so there are no surprises (surprises can be hard to process).

In reflection, I’m so grateful for all those who advocate for all-inclusive events, creating and providing access for neurodivergent children and adults to participate in because everyone should be able to experience joy through the arts. If you have time and are interested please watch this YouTube video A Sensory Friendly Nutcracker: SF Ballet partners with Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area about how this all began.

Library 2.0. (2020, March 11). The power of stories. [Video]. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvZlTRTVX10&t=260s

San Francisco Ballet. (2023, November 8). A sensory friendly nutcracker: SF ballet partners with autism society of San Francisco Bay Area. [Video]. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4OLk2JjKQU&t=9s

San Francisco Ballet. (n.d.) Nutcracker sensory friendly performance. https://www.sfballet.org/nutcracker-sensory-friendly-performance/