The Southwest Virginia Ballet and Blue Ridge PBS Partner with Carilion to Stream The Nutcracker for Hospitalized Patients

Southwest Virginia Ballet (SVB) and Blue Ridge PBS are partnering with Carilion Clinic to stream the 2020 production of The Nutcracker performance on patient televisions at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Using GetWellNetwork, the hospital's patient engagement and education tool available on televisions in patient rooms, the production will be available to patients from Dec. 14th until Dec. 29th.

"The idea of health goes beyond medicine, and care extends past simply treating physical symptoms," said Katie Biddle, director of Carilion's Dr. Robert L.A. Keeley Healing Arts Program. "Incorporating the arts in patient care offers a healing connection and has even been shown to improve health outcomes. That is why we're so grateful to our partners at Southwest Virginia Ballet and Blue Ridge PBS for making this possible, especially during this pandemic."

This year, SVB also collaborated with Blue Ridge PBS, the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre, Roanoke City, The Taubman Museum of Art, and Hotel Roanoke to film, broadcast and stream The Nutcracker for free to the public.

"It truly is a gift to be able to offer this virtual viewing opportunity to our community," said SVB Executive Director Carol Jessee. "This year has been filled with so much uncertainty. As it is SVB’s 30^th anniversary year, we wanted to give back while highlighting the beautiful region we live in. Our hard working, talented company dancers, community members who performed with us, our staff and army of volunteers worked together safely, to keep this holiday tradition alive. Our hope is to bring the joy of dance into the hearts and minds of many during a difficult time.”

For more information about the SVB's 2020 production of The Nutcracker, visit svballet.org.