Cohesion Dance Project puts a rock ’n roll spin on a holiday classic with Shira Greenberg’s Nutcracker on the Rocks at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Helena Civic Center.
It’s the seventh annual production of the community-based, rock ’n roll rendition of the classic holiday tale. Danced to music by the likes of James Brown, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, and Janis Joplin, the production even includes a Harley-Davidson motorcycle roaring onto the stage!
One scene after another showcases a unique and energetic fusion of dancers and dance styles as audiences are taken on a journey through the decades, including the Roaring 20s, a ’50s sock hop, and the flower power of the ’60s.
Nutcracker on the Rocks seamlessly weaves people of all abilities, including those dancing from their wheelchairs, into the fabric of the choreography.
This unorthodox Nutcracker originated in Albuquerque, NM, by Keshet Dance Company and was performed there for 20 years. Helena now holds the prestigious honor of being the only location where this innovative production is staged.
With a local cast of over 80 community dancers, ages 7-77, the 2019 performance features guest artists Sonia Engman and Seely Garrett as Mean Lady/Rat Queen; JT Weaver, a member of Minneapolis-based Black Label Movement, is the Nutcracker.
Cohesion Dance, founded in 2012 by Tanya Call, artistically blends dancers, from beginners to professionals, in creative partnerships and energetic collaborations. Audiences are inspired by the diversity of the cast, the energy leaping from the stage, and the performance’s visions of unlimited possibilities.
Tickets are $15-$28 and available at helenaciviccenter.com or 406-447-8481.