Celebrate NBT's 50th Anniversary on May 14

Party Like It's 1972!

An artistic vision that would change Las Vegas forever came to life in 1972. Now, 50 years later, NBT invites everyone to an unforgettable one-night-only celebration of five glorious decades of dance this Saturday. NBT's 50th Anniversary Gala Performance will be held at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, May 14. The evening will feature a series of performances including the ANBT students in the delightful debut of Jerome Robbins' Circus Polka, a Pas de deux from Gerald Arpino's Light Rain and James Canfield's kaleidoscope of color and movement, Jungle. In addition, audiences will be treated to special performances from Guest Artists Sasha De Sola and Tiit Helimets from San Francisco Ballet, ANBT's inspirational Future Dance Scholars, and stellar ANBT Future Dance Scholar alumnus Jemoni Powe. This is sure to be a memorable night of celebration and artistry. Experience the celebration and artistry at NBT’s 50th Anniversary Gala Performance at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave, on Saturday, May 14. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., and tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Winchester Dondero CulturalCenter Presents Arabic Nights Feb. 19

The Winchester Dondero Cultural Center presents Bishr Hijazi, Georges Lammam, and Romario Bandek for Arabic Nights performance on Feb. 19, at 8 p.m.

Experience the beautiful and exotic sounds and sights of the Middle East through music and dance. A selection of contemporary and classical Arab music will be performed by the Bishr Hijazi Arab Ensemble, including Oud, Violin, Riqq, Durbakkeh, and the mystical art of belly dancing. In addition, hear stories of the history, composers, and cultural aspects of the music, instruments, and dance. Concertgoers are invited to view their ability to let the instruments and body motion speak the beauty, elegance, passion, love, and sorrow expressed in this music.

The concert at the Winchester Theater will be the world premiere of Arabic guitarist and instrumentalist Bishr Hijazi, joined by master violinist Georges Lammam, and percussionist Romario Bandek. These artists love to share their music from classical to contemporary with both Western and Middle Eastern audiences alike to enhance knowledge of the musical culture of the Arab world. Arabic Nights will be performing a selection of Arabic music classics from the Golden Age, featuring compositions by Abdel Wahab, Baligh Hamdi, Farid Al Atrach, and others.

Tickets are available now at Winchester Center located at 3130 McLeod Drive, near Desert Inn Road, and online by clicking here for $10. For more info, contact the Winchester Cultural Center at (702) 455-7340 or visit www.ClarkCountyNV.gov/parks. Clark County Parks and Recreation also can be found on Twitter @ClarkCountyPark and Facebook.

Downtown Dance Conservatory to present The Secret of The Nutcracker

Come and rediscover the magic of The Nutcracker with a twist!

By Debbie Hall

The students of Downtown Dance Conservatory have been working hard for months, and they will now perform their first-ever Nutcracker story. The Secret of the Nutcracker will be performed at the Winchester Dondero Cultural Center on Dec. 11 with a matinee on Dec. 12.

The Secret of the Nutcracker is about Clara, a 12-year-old girl who embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue her father. With the help of Drosselmeyer, the young girl may be able to experience a Christmas miracle.

The goal of the Downtown Dance Conservatory is to provide professional level training and performance opportunities for talented young dancers. In addition, the school strives to provide technical and artistic skills required for its students to pursue a professional career in dance, be involved in the Las Vegas community, and bring dance to all audiences. For more info, visit ddcvegas.com.

Downtown Dance Conservatory will present The Secret of the Nutcracker at the Winchester Dondero Cultural Center located at 3130 McLeod Drive. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Dec. 11 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 12. Click on the Facebook page or click here to purchase tickets.