Hudson Valley Dance Center to perform a 'Holiday Fairy Tale'

VERNON — The Hudson Valley Dance Center of Warwic, will perform "A Holiday Fairy Tale" in the Vernon Township High School Auditorium on Sunday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m.

The show is inspired by the work of German author E.T.A. Hoffman and will be retold and choreographed by Marguerite McNeilly, director of the Hudson Valley Dance Center.

"We have a very talented group of dancers this season," McNeilly said, "and the Vernon High School is a convenient location with a spectacular environment for both the audience and the children."

Often directors decide on a production before casting the characters, but McNeilly evaluates her students first then decides upon what kind of performance would best match their skills.

"This production is more about the kids than the story; it's really a reflection of them," she said.

This story is a familiar one. On Christmas Eve a little girl falls asleep after a party at her home and dreams about a fantastic world where toys, like the Nutcracker she received as a gift, come to life. But this production is unique. The dancers are an expressive groups of young men and women who are certain attendees will appreciate their ballet skills, including the party scene and fight between the Mouse King and the Toy Soldiers. Tickets are available at the door, for $15 each.