Join Oceánica Ballet for festive autumn vibes in an evening of story ballets inspired by Halloween and Día de los Muertos! Oceánica Ballet’s two-act family-friendly production of The Headless Horseman + Viva La Vida returns for 2025. Act One adapts Washington Irving’s “Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” exploring Ichabod as an outsider haunted by cruel townsfolk and the legendary Headless Horseman alike as he seeks a sense of belonging. Act Two features the original story of Lucio and Lupita in a multicultural tale about transcending loss and the resilience of love, celebrated through a joyful folklórico-infused ode to life inspired by Día de los Muertos. Throughout both stories, the wisdom of women across time and cultures is amplified. Called “delightful from start to finish” by Jen Norris Dance Reviews, this production is bewitching entertainment for the fall season. “Through clever theatricality... Oceánica Ballet’s cast of dancers brings this story to life with a joie de vivre that has me looking forward to future showings of this work... creating a tradition for family audiences.”
The Headless Horseman + Viva La Vida will be performed October 25-26, 2025 at the College of San Mateo Theatre. This production contains creepy sounds and spooky puppetry which may affect very young children. The community college district responsible for the College of San Mateo Theatre is committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable environment for all, where programs and services are accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.