THE LEGACY​

Barbara Crockett
Founder of the Sacramento Ballet

Barbara Crockett was an early member of the San Francisco Ballet, the first ballet company in the United States. Ms. Crockett met and married Deane Crockett, a teacher and dancer with the company, and in 1945 they moved to Sacramento to begin a dance school and company. Thus was born the Crockett Dance Studio, and a short time later, Sacramento Civic Ballet Company. In 1965, Deane and Barbara were instrumental in forming Regional Dance America/Pacific, which now boasts 20 companies in nine Western states, and of which Sac Civic Ballet is an Honor Company. In 1985, Ms. Crockett began work creating the first professional ballet company in California's state capitol of Sacramento, The Sacramento Ballet. She also received a California State Senate Resolution, an official award to honor her achievements and important contributions to the community, bestowed by Senator Darrell Steinberg (President Pro Tempore of the California Senate). 

Allyson Deane
Artistic Director of Deane Dance Center

Allyson Deane studied with her parents, Deane and Barbara Crockett, from the age of 5 until she joined the San Francisco Ballet at the age of 17. Studying at the Crockett Dance Studio and performing with the Sacramento Civic Ballet company gave her all she needed for a successful career. She began in the corps de ballet and worked her way to soloist and then on to become a principal dancer with SFB.

Allyson Deane is a brilliant artist. She spent years illuminating stages as a beloved principle in one of this nation's top tier companies, SFB. In a world that is full of fierce competition and ugly intentions, she achieved greatness through humility, generosity, hard work and honest passion for the art.
     From ages 8 to 17 I was loved, taught, guided and deeply inspired by this wonderful woman. I vividly remember how I felt watching Allyson dance and teach. She could tell magical, beautiful stories with her body.  The most subtle of movements held so much power. There are very few people who can do things like that. I decided early on that 'the more exposure I have to Allyson the better dancer I will be.'  That was true! She made ballet thrilling to me. She made working hard and refining every moment so joyful. Memories of being coached by Allyson are still some of my sweetest dance treasures. Her influence has always steered me toward dancing my best for the right reasons: to give, to love and to magnify my humanity. I hope I can find teachers and mentors with as much light and excellence in their field to help shape my future kids. Allyson Deane shaped me, and I am so so grateful." -Chloe Perkes (Felesina)

Don Schwennesen
Artistic Director of Sacramento Civic Ballet

Director and choreographer Don Schwennesen received his training with Antony Tudor and Eugene Loring at University of California Irvine before joining the San Francisco Ballet and enjoying a successful career as one of it's soloists. He also spent two years as a member of Pacific Northwest Ballet and eight years with the Oakland Ballet Company. Mr. Schwennesen has had two of his ballets shown at Regional Dance America/Pacific festivals.

Don is one of the kindest men I have ever known. He has always shown loving kindness for all people and situations. His almost super-human patience and perseverance showed me that you can actually live with faith that things are and will continue to be good. He made and continues to make beautiful, challenging work with fun and often very sweet ideas behind them. Thank you dearest Don!" -Chloe Perkes (Felesina)