What does Halloween have to do with Christmas?
Nothing usually – but in this Saturday’s performance of the Nightmare Before Christmas, the king of Halloween tries to take Christmas out of Christmas Town.
The Nightmare Before Christmas originated in a poem written by Tim Burton in 1982.
It tells the story of Jack Skellington, the head of Halloween Town who decides to take over Christmas, says Carolyn Wonacott, owner-instructor of the Shuswap Dance Center, where Nightmare will be performed.
“Santa Claus is kidnapped and the inhabitants of Halloween Town, zombies, witches, ghouls and vampires, decide they will make the Christmas presents for kids in Christmas Town.
And Skellington opts to take over the role of Santa Claus.
“He arrives in Christmas Town with gifts that include bats, snakes and assorted Halloween-type stuff,” says Wonacott. “The kids are very disappointed and Jack realizes he’s made a mistake in trying to take over the town.”
Skellington releases Santa and decides Halloween is the right holiday for him.
Skellington and Sally, his Frankenstein-ish girlfriend realize their love for each other and dance off into the sunset.
The show includes 175 dancers, ranging in age from three to 80.
Shuswap Dance Center has a very strong adult ballet and tap contingent. Among the younger set, ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, lyrical and Highland dancing will be featured.
“There’s a great variety and the show is lots of fun,” says Wonacott. “The kids are very excited.”
Tickets to the show, which takes place at the SASCU Rec Centre, are available Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the dance centre on Okanagan Avenue, or at the door before the performance Saturday, Dec. 15 at 4:30 p.m..
Anyone interested in taking dance lessons may call Carolyn Wonacott at 250-833-5418, or visit ww.shuswapdance.com.