In December, CDA celebrated the return of a wonderful holiday tradition with Dance at the Music Center's special presentation of the Kirov Ballet and Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theatre's The Nutcracker. The Nutrcracker Gala, held before the matinee performance on Saturday, December 20th, honored Joyce Kresa and Alyce Williamson who have been outstanding community leaders and supporters of the Music Center, CDA, and Dance at the Music Center. The gala featured fun holiday activities for kids of all ages created especially for the event by artists who work in schools through the Music Center's arts education programs. Activities included cookie decorating, puppet making, pop-up holiday cards, Nutcracker ornaments, and photos with Santa and Kirov dancers. The event was a great success and gave kids and adults alike the chance to celebrate the joy of The Nutcracker.

All attendees were given a beautiful commemorative book featuring the history of The Nutcracker, remembrances of performing in The Nutcracker provided by great dancers and celebrities with dance backgrounds, and a "My Nutcracker" section for kids of all ages to insert their own photographs and memorabilia. Written by noted dance historian Elizabeth Kaye, the book was a gorgeous tribute to the everlasting beauty of this gorgeous ballet. The books, which are undated and can be treasured well beyond this Nutcracker presentation, are still on sale and can be purchased for $10 by calling the CDA office at (213) 972-3359.

CDA - The Nutrcracker Gala (click to enlarge)