Photo courtesy of COCA
This year, the The Little Dancer will take a turn through Paris.
The Center of Creative Arts’ (COCA) annual holiday production of The Little Dancer, inspired by the Edgar Degas sculpture, carries the subtitle "J’Adore Paris!" and will take audiences on a tour of the City of Lights. The story follows Mary, who is gifted a replica of a Little Dancer sculpture for her birthday. When she awakens the next morning, she finds herself inside Paris' Musée d'Orsay with the Little Dancer who has come to life.
Photo courtesy of COCA
Although the trip through Paris is dream-induced on stage, it was influenced by true-life travels, says the production's co-director Antonio Douthit-Boyd, who toured with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, among others.
“So, when I took over the job, I said, ‘Why don’t we take [The Little Dancer] to Paris, where she originated?’” he says.
Audiences will come along for the hour-long ride as young members of Ballet Eclectica, an auditioned ensemble of students from COCA’s pre-professional classes, perform. This year’s production also includes a live accordion player.
“This is the first time we’ve ever had live music within the production,” Douthit-Boyd says. “Whether you like music or dance, you’re going to find something for you.”
Douthit-Boyd also thinks attendees will appreciate the lighting, costumes, and other artistic elements showcased in The Little Dancer: J’Adore Paris!
“The production value is just out of this world,” he says. “It’s just an all-around good time.”
Performances will be held at COCA’s Founders’ Theatre (524 Trinity) at 7 p.m. on December 9, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on December 10, and 1 p.m. on December 11. Ticket prices range from $14–18. COCA is also hosting a tea party following the December 13 performance where attendees can meet members of the cast. Tickets for The Little Dancer Tea Party are $25 each.
