Get Up and Dance at “The Nutcracker Dance Party”
Guilford Art Center Presents Participatory Dance-Along to a Holiday Classic

In a contemporary spin on a holiday classic, the Guilford Art Center is presenting “The Nutcracker Dance Party” on Sunday, December 16. This free, participatory dance event is for people of all ages to express themselves as they experience this abiding holiday tale in a brand new way.

“The Nutcracker Dance Party” will be held in the Mill Gallery at the Guilford Art Center at 2pm. Disc jockey Jack “Wacko Jacko” Schlechtweg will spin and “scratch” Tchaikovsky’s music, pausing to narrate the Nutcracker story and introduce dance moves. Audience members literally becomes the performance itself as they are invited to get up and dance as the various characters—Clara, the Sugarplum Fairies, the Mouse King--that bring the Nutcracker to life. All are invited to dance, and no experience is necessary.

“Many of us have attended a performance of The Nutcracker performed by a ballet company and an orchestra,” says Jean Perkins, executive director of the Guilford Art Center. “This event keeps the music but gives the entire ballet a modern twist. Everybody—no matter what age—is invited to dance. Hip-hop moves are welcome. It’s the perfect time to perform all those dance moves you’ve tried in front of the mirror.”

Dancers can dress as their favorite character, or come to the “Costume Shop” prior to the dance party, at 10am. Art instructor Amy Peters will conduct this workshop for participants to fashion their own outfits and props--swords, hats, tutus, crowns and more. But people can wear whatever they like, Perkins emphasizes.

Chris Uminga, a Guilford Art Center instructor known for his comic-influenced paintings and drawings, is creating set designs for the Dance Party. His huge renderings of Nutcracker characters will be the performance backdrop. Uminga’s drawings will also be sold in a silent auction to benefit the Guilford Art Center.
“One of my dreams since I first came to the Guilford Art Center was to present this event in the community,” says Perkins. “It’s all about taking a classical art work and embracing it for yourself, while participating with others. I am so happy we are all going to get the chance to be a part of it.”

The Nutcracker Dance Party is free to the public through the generous sponsorship of the Jane Marcher Foundation. Reservations are required. For more information contact the Guilford Art Center at (203) 453-5947.