A sigh of (financial) relief

Ron Cunningham, artistic director for the Sacramento Ballet, had some good news to offer last week: The troupe will finish in the black this year, thanks to some downsizing and budget trimming, a transformative season of small-venue programming, and energetic fundraising efforts on the part of the organization and its dancers.

Cunningham’s announcement included the news that he and co-artistic director Carinne Binda, as well as the Ballet’s board, are currently working to develop a full season for next year on a budget that will be sustainable in the current economic downturn. Sacramento Ballet expects to announce the new season at this year’s season finale, to be held at the Sacramento Theatre Company’s main stage on May 23 and 24.

The company will also offer a special performance, Spring Fever, at C.K. McClatchy High School on May 7. For more information about the Sacramento Ballet, visit its Web site at www.sacballet.org.