By Khalida Sarwari
The holiday season usually means one or two shows that the family sees together, and one of those shows is often The Nutcracker. This year, a pair of dance companies in Campbell will collaborate to offer an alternative to the popular Russian ballet.
Titled “The Spirit of Christmas,” the production by Just B Dance and Grace Dance Academy explores both the magical and spiritual side of Christmas in two acts. The first act, called the “Night Before Christmas,” was produced by Just B Dance and features comedic elves, toys that come to life, evil snowmen, angels and sassy reindeer.
“It’s very whimsical, very creative,” said Bethany Hooks, owner of Just B Dance. “It’s one of those creative stories that are not based on anything except for what has been in my brain since I was a little kid.”
Grace Dance Academy, which promotes a faith-based program, produced the Nativity Ballet, telling the nativity story in the second act of the show.
This year will mark the second time the two companies have collaborated on a holiday show. Members of the cast of about 65 children ages 3 to 18 overlap in the two acts. The cast members have been rehearsing every weekend since September.
Lanie Iannucci, assistant director for the Nativity Ballet and who also plays Mary’s mother in that show, was one of two choreographers for the production last year.
“It’s a very positive show from beginning to end,” said Iannucci. “No matter what aspect you’re looking at Christmas from, whether it’s the magical side or the more religious perspective, just encompassing Christmas as a whole, this show is it.”
Iannucci, a 25-year-old Santa Clara resident and usability specialist for a startup company in Palo Alto, added that the Spirit of Christmas is “uniquely creative” and different from The Nutcracker.
“If that’s a family tradition, break out and create a new one,” she said.
“The Spirit of Christmas” premieres at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 at the Foothill College Theatre, 12345 El Monte Road in Los Altos Hills. The show will be repeated on Dec. 15 at 2 and 6:30 p.m. With intermission, the show runs about 90 minutes.
Tickets are $16 and can be purchased at justbdance.com or by calling Just B Dance at 408.370.7793. Children under 3 can sit in laps.
Two Campbell dance companies combine to present holiday show
