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In addition, at the Sugar Plum Extravaganza on Sunday, December 21st, children can discover their creativity with an interactive introduction to The Nutcracker, through a storydance, crafts and a “kingdom of sweets,” for children.
“The enchanting music and dance of this much-loved holiday story provides a wonderful introduction to classical dance for young children,” said Co Founder and Director Pamela Bjerknes. “In light of last year’s success, we are again offering four showings of this spirited ballet. In an hour-long ballet performance, the Youth Ensemble will captivate both children and parents as they bring to life the charm and elegance of The Nutcracker’s Act II.”
The Nutcracker performances will be led by guest artist and American Dance Institute instructor Erin Mahoney Du, whom The Washington Post recently lauded as a “most complete dancer, capable of delicacy and rapture.” She will be joined by her husband, Runquio Du, as they dance the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Prince. The performances will be showcased in the Institute’s intimate, 140-seat world-class facility, where the audience can feel like a part of the dancer’s artistic athleticism while seeing the expressions on their faces; a wonderful experience for adults and children alike.
Children, ages three through eight, eager to experience this magical world of The Nutcracker can also attend the Sugar Plum Extravaganza on Sunday, December 21st from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be a Nutcracker storydance on ADI’s stage which will introduce children to the classic tale through a reading and fun interactive dance of the Nutcracker choreography. Children can create their own Nutcracker-themed crafts such as picture frames, crowns and wands. The “Kingdom of the Sweets” will offer refreshments, sweet treats, cookies and cakes for all ages. The Sugar Plum Fairy herself will be taking photographs with every child.
The Nutcracker performances, $20 for adults, $10 for children (age 12 and under) and seniors (age 55 and up) are scheduled for Friday, December 19th at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 20th at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 21st at 3:00 p.m. The Sugar Plum Extravaganza will take place on Sunday, December 21st from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Extravaganza is priced at $25, which includes admission for one child and one adult. Additional children and adults are $25 each. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the entire event. Tickets for The Nutcracker and the Sugar Plum Extravaganza can be purchased by calling 301.984.3003 or by visiting www.americandance.org.
The American Dance Institute, a 501(c)(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 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.