More than a decade ago, Cindy Flanagan brought a group of her dancers on a bus trip to take in a holiday variety show.
And ever since, Concord Dance Academy has put on a similar show, The Holiday Spectacular, on the Audi stage each December. But each year, it seems to get bigger and better as new pieces and music are added to the show to keep people coming back for more.
“This will be the most exciting year ever,” Flanagan said.
Flanagan was looking for something different for her academy to perform other than the traditional Nutcracker at this time of year. With dancers of all ages and abilities, a variety show made perfect sense.
So if you have some free time this weekend, you might want to think about taking in one of the three shows. About 300 students will take part in the hour-and-a-half show, which accounts for a 20-minute intermission.
It includes so many students that Concord Dance Academy rents out the Green Street Community Center as a place for them all to get ready and change.
And since this is meant to keep the audience moving and grooving, there will be pieces in ballet, tap, pointe and lyrical.
“It’s a large variety of dance styles,” Flanagan said.
During the show, there will be a 50/50 raffle, and raffle tickets for a chance to win one of the many prize baskets created through donations.
“They’re jam packed and have a theme,” Flanagan said.
Parents will make cookies, cake pops and other festive desserts that will be sold during the intermissions.
“They make the most beautiful cookies and holiday desserts,” Flanagan said.
Santa will also be there for the hour before each performance for photo opps – and all you need to do is bring a canned good or make a small monetary donation.
All of that added up helps Concord Dance Academy make some much needed donations this time of year. When all the proceeds are added up, they will be divided between the Friendly Kitchen, Toys for Tots and St. Pauls Pantry.
“It’s a win-win for everybody,” Flanagan said.
The Holiday Spectacular will be performed on Saturday at 1 and 6 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Tickets are $15 and can be found at concorddance academy.com/holiday-spectacular. A certain number of tickets are also being held to be sold at the door.
