American Dance Institute showcases enchanting “Nutcracker” performances for children

Washington, DC—The American Dance Institute brings the enchanting tale of the “Nutcracker” alive during a family-friendly weekend of events at the Rockville, MD studio this December. On Saturday, December 8th and Sunday, December 9th the American Dance Institute’s Youth Ensemble will perform a condensed version of the “Nutcracker,” which allows children to experience the magic of the classic ballet in an intimate, attention grabbing setting. In addition, the Sugar Plum Extravaganza on Sunday, December 9th will offer an interactive introduction to the “Nutcracker” story through dancing, crafts and a “kingdom of sweets,” for children ages three through eight.

The Youth Ensemble will present imagination through movement in an hour-long ballet performance of the “Nutcracker’s” Act II. “The well-know story combined with the enchanting music and dancing of this ballet provide a wonderful introduction to classical dance for young children,” said Executive Director Michael Bjerknes. “And due to popular demand, this is the first year we will offer four showings of the spirited ballet.”

The Nutcracker performances will be led by guest dancers from the American Ballet Theater, who will dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the part of The Prince. The performances will be showcased in the Institute’s intimate, 140-seat world-class facility, where the audience is so close they can feel like a part of the dancers’ artistic athleticism and see the expressions on their faces, a wonderful experience for adults and children alike.

The Sugar Plum Extravaganza on Sunday, December 9th will offer children, ages three through eight, an activity-filled introduction to the “Nutcracker” story and dance. Kids will practice “Nutcracker” plies and pirouettes onstage, where American Dance Institute instructors and students will lead a story dance. The Extravaganza will also feature arts and crafts inspired by the famous ballet, photos taken with the Sugar Plum and tasty treats from the “Kingdom of Sweets.”

The “Nutcracker” performances, priced at $20 for adults and $10 for children (age 12 and under) and seniors (age 55 and up) are scheduled for Saturday, December 8th and Sunday December 9th at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The Sugar Plum Extravaganza will be held Sunday, December 9th from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The Extravaganza is priced at $25 which includes admission for one child, ages three through eight, and one adult. Children must be accompanied by an adult; each additional adult admission is priced at $25. Tickets for the Nutcracker and the Extravaganza can be purchased by calling 301.984.3003 or visiting www.americandance.org. The American Dance Institute is located at 1570 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD

The American Dance Institute, a 501c(3) non-profit organization, is one of the Washington, DC area's premier performing arts organizations. Aiming to build artistic, athletic and confident individuals, the Institute serves as a national center of excellence for dance instruction for children, pre-professionals, professionals and adults. An extensive Pilates curriculum is also offered, as well as a Pilates teacher training program. American Dance Institute is also home to an array of diverse professional dance companies and emerging individual artists in the Washington metropolitan region through its Arts Incubator program. The Incubator provides arts management assistance and studio space for free or at significantly reduced costs. The program has helped launch and support many of the region's award-winning dance troupes and artists, including Edgeworks Dance Theater, ClancyWorks Dance Company, ARKA Ballet, DanceSmith, Train Wreck Dance Company, and Ed Tyler.