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.

2021 Fall Concert Series Introduces World Premieres

By Debbie Hall

The city of Las Vegas Cultural Affairs is presenting its 2021 Fall Concert Series at the Charleston Heights Arts Center on Oct. 22 and Oct. 23.

Enjoy beautiful choreographic works and ballets, including world premieres. The program will include the premiere of “Liaison” by Bernard H. Gaddis, founder and artistic director of the Contemporary West Dance Theatre (CWDT). “Our Time” is choreographed by the company’s Ballet master Don Bellamy. The premiere of “Shards” by Donald Byrd and a remount of “Night Creature” created by famed choreographer Alvin Ailey are also on the program. CWDT will present its first in-person concert since the pandemic. Live music is provided by the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts Jazz Philharmonic.

Under the direction of Gaddis, the company of performance artists represents the elegance, grace, discipline, and dignity of dance for all classes and cultures. CWDT, in collaboration with the city of Las Vegas, is one of the first Artists in Residence at the Charleston Heights Arts Center. Over the last 15 years, CWDT has aspired to increase its creative impact within the Las Vegas local arts community by raising the bar of artistic excellence. The collaboration between the city of Las Vegas and CWDT continues to elevate the company’s status as a creative force and permanent fixture in the city.

The 2021 Fall Concert Series will be performed at the Charleston Heights Arts Center, located at 800 S. Brush St., on Oct. 22 and Oct. 23. Showtimes for both nights is 7:30 p.m. Masks and proof of vaccinations are required to attend. Tickets prices range from $10 to $25. The phone number to the box office is 702-229-ARTS (2787). Tickets can be purchased

or at the Charleston Heights Arts Center front desk.