Dance Adds to Holiday Joy, Even in Troubled Times

I made the mistake of listening to the news while driving the other day, and there went my "holly jolly" mood, melted like a snowflake on the exhaust pipe of a garbage truck. But not for long. This won't be the first Christmas with our country at war, or the economy in shambles, and tragedy and illness take no holidays. So what can we do when we feel so powerless to do anything?

It's simple: Make the conscious choice to be happy.

Look at these folks participating in the Killer Diller Weekend of swing dancing that took place in Seattle recently. The Northwest's tap dancer extraordinaire, Tim Hickey (wearing a dark suit and hat) isn't doing tap in this video, but he invites you to join in the fun right at the beginning when he looks at the camera and lifts his hat. Then watch for him to appear again on the left side of the screen with his swing dance talents on display. The band is Casey MacGill and his High Five.



Did you know that during the Great Depression a frenzy of dancing swept the nation? Right here in the Pacific Northwest, right now, opportunities to watch or participate in dance abound. As part of my campaign to encourage readers to BUY AMERICAN and BUY LOCAL when it comes to their Christmas shopping, what could be better than tickets to a live performance or a certificate for dance lessons? These gifts enrich lives and bring lasting joy. With that in mind, I offer some excellent suggestions for enjoying dance this holiday season, and beyond.

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Toys with Clara & Drosselmeyer Gregory Peloquin, Dave Evans, Amy Dusek, Allison Zakharov,
Anastasia Suave, Lauren Trodahl       Photo by Maks Zakharov

Dance Theatre Northwest, Melanie Kirk-Stauffer, Artistic Director Presents

The Nutcracker

at Mount Tahoma High School Auditorium on Saturday, December 17th at 2:30 & 7:00 PM and on Sunday, December 18th at 4:00 PM. Tickets are available

on line at www.dancetheatrenorthwest.org

or by calling 253-778-6534. Mount Tahoma is located at 4634 South 74^th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409. Parking is free and the theatre is handicapped accessible.

ADMISSION: $21-$26 Adult $11-$13 Senior (over 60) ~ Child ~ Student

Dream Passes $45 Adult & $25 Seniors ~

Military Discounts and Group Rates also available

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photo courtesy of Tim "Taps" Hickey, shown here

Old Time Holiday Show

at the KIRKLAND PERFORMANCE CENTER

350 Kirkland Ave • Kirkland, WA 98033

December 16, 7:00PM

December 17, 2:00PM, 7:00PM

December 18, 2:00PM

Tim Hickey and many other talented musicians and performers have a delightful evening planned for you. Enjoy a classic variety show with live music, singing, dancing, and more, all with a holiday theme. This annual favorite sells out quickly so order tickets here.

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DANCE THEATRE NORTHWEST offers lessons in ballet, tap, and jazz dancing

HERE ARE TWO OTHER WONDERFUL PLACES TO LEARN TO DANCE, BOTH IN HISTORIC BUILDINGS:

THE CENTURY BALLROOM  in Seattle

THE ABBEY BALLROOM in Tacoma

But there are so many more. Naturally, Good Life Northwest has just the link you need, a directory of all of them.  Washington Dance Studios Directory

Now switch off the news, turn on the music, and start dancing!