December Dance Events in D.C. and Maryland

Here's all of your fabulous holiday dancing fun!  If you're like me and have to stay in the city to work, come out to one of these many festive events and get a free high-five from yours truly!  Let's grab wine after and gab.

WASHINGTON D.C.

Joy of Motion, Atlas, Friendship Heights, and Bethesda locations

Masterclasses:

12/6, 12/7, 12/11: Flamenco Master Classes with Alejandro Granados

12/7: Classical Variations Workshop with Kathleen Weitz

12/15: Holiday Character Workshop with Kathleen Weitz

Performances:

12/10: Motion Expressions The Heart of Hip Hop Concert

http://www.joyofmotion.org/concertsevents/tickets-and-events/

Atlas Performing Arts Center

12/11-12/22: Step Afrika!  Magical Musical Holiday Step Show

“Who wants to sit still and be quiet for the holidays?” Can Step Afrika! teach a polar bear to step? What about a penguin? This December, come make music with Step Afrika! and their furry friends from the Animal Kingdom in this new holiday tradition! Come ready to bring in the festive season with a bang featuring the electrifying artists from Step Afrika! and special guest DJ Frosty the Snowman. We’ll get you in the mood for the festive season.”

http://atlasarts.org/events/2011/07/step-afrika-magical-musical-holiday-step-show/

The Washington Ballet

12/6-12/29: Septime Webre’s The Nutcracker at The Warner Theatre, Washington DC

“A holiday must-see! Septime Webre’s The Nutcracker transports you back in time to historic Washington with George Washington as the heroic Nutcracker. Glorious music, swirling snowflakes, magnificent sets and costumes have made this Nutcracker a DC tradition with raves from critics and sold-out crowds.”

http://www.washingtonballet.org/season-performances/nutcracker-2013

Dance Place

12/14: Kwanzaa Celebration 2013 at the GWU Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre in Washington D.C.

"Light up the darkest nights of the year with dance, music, song and rhythm centered on the seven principles of Kwanzaa. In this performance for all ages, Coyaba Dance Theater welcomes the holiday season with its annual Kwanzaa Celebration. Live music, exuberant dancing and a true community of dancers will welcome you into their fold as you kick off the holiday season."

http://www.danceplace.org/events/kwanzaa-celebration-2013/

MARYLAND

The Clarice Smith Center for the Performing Arts at University of Maryland, College Park

12/6-12/7: Way In, an MFA Dance Thesis Concert

“In Way In, Jessie Laurita-Spanglet will explore the nature of our physical habits, and how those habits relate to our emotional patterns. The episodic piece will seek to expand on the traditional relationship between the performer and the audience member, engaging both in a shared sensory experience.” 

12/14: The Nutcracker, Act II, with Ballet Company M

“Ballet Company M presents a rendition of Act II of Tchaikovsky's famous holiday ballet The Nutcracker, allowing the audience to partake in their own journey through the Forest of Snowflakes and the Land of the Sweets.”

http://claricesmithcenter.umd.edu/calendar?field_genre_tid%5B%5D=20&field_series_tid=All&field_themes_tid=All

Dance Exchange, Takoma Park, MD

12/19: Showing and Critical Response Process with artist-in-residence Kevin Ormbsy at Dance Exchange in Takoma Park, MD

Join Dance Exchange artists and public to view works-in-progress by Kevin Ormbsy and participate in a facilitated dialogue.  Learn more about how different artists approach their work and see have a chance to see dance for free!  7-9pm.

http://danceexchange.org/calendar/

Strathmore

12/12: Holiday Cirque with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra 

“Holiday Cirque will get you into the spirit of the season! Bring the entire family to hear holiday favorites while experiencing an awe-inspiring performance by the majestic Cirque Musica. Stunning aerial feats, strongmen and mind-boggling contortionists will take your breath away in this ultimate holiday extravaganza.”

12/16-12/17: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

“Celebrate this Christmas with Moscow Ballet’s world famous production of the Great Russian Nutcracker! Bring the whole family for the quintessential Holiday experience. Forty star-studded Russian artists perform Olympian feats in the Holiday classic seen by millions. Don’t let your family miss the performance of a lifetime, full to the brim with magical toys, falling snow, growing Christmas trees and astounding Russian dancers. Tickets are going fast so get your seats now! Learn more at www.nutcracker.com.”

http://www.strathmore.org/eventstickets/calendar.asp

OTHER

Dances Made To Order, Online

Featuring three D.C. dance artists including Erica Rebollar, Boris Willis and Iliana Silverstein 

“Every month, YOU choose the inspiration then sit back as three artists rise to the challenge of creating dance films in just three weeks!

As soon as the films are ready, we put them online for your instant viewing pleasure. It's super convenient and affordable art you

don't even need to leave the couch to enjoy.”

http://dancesmadetoorder.com/collaborators/

If you'd like your event added to next month's list, feel free to contact me!