The Monterey Peninsula in for a grand treat because once again, the annual performance of “Nutcracker: A Monterey Peninsula Tradition” from Dance Kids of Monterey County will feature the 39-member Monterey County Pops! Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dr. Carl Christensen. And, for the first time, the production will feature a children’s choir performing onstage during Act I’s “Dance of the Snowflakes.”

“We are so honored and excited to be celebrating our 25th anniversary this year,” says Dance Kids Founder and Artistic Director, Carol Richmond. “It’s so heartening to know that the community continues to support our mission to strengthen character and positively influence children’s lives through the performing arts. We will continue to grow and improve and bring on new talent to carry on that legacy.”

With that in mind, #DanceKidsMC also announced they have named veteran professional dancer and teacher Philip Pegler as its new Artistic Director. Pegler has more than 30 years of experience in classical ballet as a professional dancer and teacher. He was most recently Dance Kids’ Ballet Director.

The performance weekend begins Dec. 7, 2018, with another tradition and a gift to the community; a free 10 a.m. Friday morning show given each year to the school children of the Monterey Peninsula. Dance Kids gifts the 700-seat theater to the underserved youth in the community.

There will be a 7 p.m. Friday night show, a Gala fundraiser on Saturday night, Dec. 8, 2018, at 5 p.m. and show at 7, and the much-anticipated “Sugar Plum Fairy Champagne and Tea Party” at 12:15 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 9, followed by the show at 2 p.m.

Click here to buy tickets!

 

And the Dance Kids Online Auction is now open! Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to bid on this amazing fundraising auction, which ends this Thursday, December 6, 2018.

Click here for the Dance Kids Online Auction – New items added daily!

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