Civic Dance Center Presents the Nutcracker & Winter Showcase

The Civic Dance Center, located in Portage, under the direction of Natalie J. Kolosci, will present their annual “Nutcracker” ballet and Winter Showcase at Portage High School Auditorium East on Saturday, December 18th at 2:00 pm. The cast consists of approximately 75 performers, including dance students, moms, dads, sisters and brothers.

Melena Nikole Verduzco has been cast as Clara. Melena is a sixth grader at River Forest and has been studying dance for nine years. She has studied under the direction of Ms. Natalie and Miss Lisa at Civic Dance Center for four years. She has trained in many dance venues, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, tumbling, and musical theater. She is also a member of the River Forest basketball team, volleyball team, and track team. She excels in social studies and loves to read.

Enrique Del Real will perform as the Nutcracker Prince. This will be his third year as the Prince. Enrique is a sixth grader at Willowcreek Middle School. He plays the violin in the schools orchestra, is a member of the Aquarium Club, and excels in the Portage Porpoise Swim Club. His favorite subjects in school are math and science. While Enrique is not a ballet student, he has a natural talent for performing the role of the Prince.

All members of the Monahan family will perform in the Party Scene, participating are Mom – Jenny, Dad – Kevin, Regan, age 9 and a 5 year dance student, Joe, age 12 and a 6th grader who plays baseball, Billy, age 6. Many other parents and siblings will perform as a family. All of this years cast have been working very hard to present this wonderful holiday treat to family, friends and the community. Come and share in the delight as Herr Drosselmeyer, the Godfather, brings his goddaughter the wonderful, magical gift of a Nutcracker doll and marvel as the 8ft Madame Ginger, surrounded by a 10 x 10 dress, filled with children age 3 to 7, portraying lollipops, bon bons, candy canes, peppermint sticks, gingerbread men, and tumbling candy stripers.

Tickets are available by calling 219.764.0099 or 708.417.7129. Cost is $12 for adult (advance) or $15 (at the door), $9 children 6 & under. Group clubs and organization sales are available at a special rate.

For more information call, 219-764-0099!