Each year, the Civic Dance Center in Portage produces an original choreography of "The Nutcracker" ballet, along with a winter showcase presenting tap, jazz, and hip hop for the holiday season. This year's presentation will be on Saturday, December 17th, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Portage High School Auditorium East, located on Route 6 and Airport Roads. In the past they have performed for around 800 spectators and have had many highly-celebrated comments from those present.
"I have been involved with ballet all of my life. I've been dancing, teaching and choreographing for several dance centers throughout the Illinois/Indiana area; myself, performing with the Kirov and Bolshoi Ballet companies from Russia as well as with Joffrey of NYC and Ruth Page Dance Company in Chicago. It has been my pleasure to bring "The Nutcracker" ballet to our community," said Natalie Kolosci, Artistic Director. "Each year we continue to expand and improve our resources for putting on a quality performance through the efforts of the students and parents who work on obtaining sponsors from businesses, friends, and relatives, as well as fundraisers."
This year, the cast will consist of roughly 100 people, including CDC dance students, moms, dads, sisters and brothers as well as professional dancers.
"One of the most delightful scenes is from Madame Ginger, where one of our parent performers is placed on a ladder 8 feet tall, surrounded by a 10 x 10 foot dress, filled with children 3 – 5 years of age, portraying gum drops, candy canes, peppermint sticks and gingerbread. This scene is always a crowd pleaser!" said Kolosci.
The Civic Dance Center is also proud to have supported more than 1,000 Girl Scouts and Brownies who have attended their performances over the last six years as a way to earn their necessary badges. The girls who visit while earning their badges have enjoyed private back stage tours viewing the elaborate costumes while meeting many of the dancers and having their pictures taken with the cast. Afterwards, they are invited to attend a dance class in tap/ballet/jazz and tumbling at the dance center at no charge. Private lessons for student groups are also available.
Tickets are available by calling Natalie Kolosci at 708-417-7129 or Sandy Samardzija at 219-508-4714. Tickets purchased in advance are $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for children 10 and under. When purchased at the door, tickets are $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for children. Contact Ms. Natalie for discounted group rates for clubs and organizations.
"We have enjoyed providing a quality production in Northwest Indiana, and with your support we hope to share our performance with even more members of the community!" said Kolosci.