Christmas FANTASTIQUE will be presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21 at Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. The original production by Zoika’s Dance tells the classic holiday story of “The Nutcracker” through the language of dance, featuring classical ballet, as well as tap, hip hop, acro and contemporary dance.
Professional dancers join young, local dancers on stage for the holiday extravaganza. Tickets are $25 and $35 and may be purchased online at zoikasdance.com.
Christmas FANTASTIQUE invites audiences to experience the wonder of young Clara’s Christmas Eve dream, as her Christmas tree grows tall, her toys come to life and she travels with a young prince to the Land of Sweets.
“There is nothing like the excitement a young child feels experiencing the magic of the holidays,” explained director Zoika Garcia. “Their excitement is so pure and real. That feeling of wonderment is shared with audience members, no matter what their age.”
To create this holiday magic, Garcia has cast local 10-year-old dancer, Emily Laidler, in the role of Clara. She will be joined on stage by a cast of 70, including professional dancers who will bring their mastery and fireworks to the stage. The Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier roles will be danced by professional ballet dancers Elisa Ruby of Mexico’s Ballet Prover and Jalen Williams of Ohio’s Dayton Ballet. Clara’s mother and father will be portrayed by professional tap dancers Jenne Vermes and Sean Mansfield of Noise Complaint Tap Dance Theatre. Clara’s grandparents will be portrayed by seasoned St. Augustine performers Tommy Bledsoe and Joy D’Elia.
Garcia and the cast are also planning to present Christmas FANTASTIQUE for local children served by St. Johns County nonprofit organizations including St. Augustine Youth Services, the Betty Griffin House and Fostering Connections, as well as students from The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. Thanks to the support of community sponsors, Zoika’s Dance will provide complimentary tickets for these children.
“Sharing dance with the community gives us so much joy,” Garcia explained. “And sharing this holiday experience with children who might not otherwise be able to attend makes it so much sweeter.”
Sponsorship and marketing opportunities are available to support the production and its community outreach.
For more information on becoming a sponsor, go to zoikasdance.com/sponsors.
Zoika’s Dance is a comprehensive dance school in St. Augustine that offers beginner to advanced classes in dance, voice and musical theater, as well as performance opportunities.
To learn more, go to zoikasdance.com.
