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‘Twas the Night Before… is Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. Memorable lines from this cherished classic inspired Cirque’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays.

A festive flurry of love and cheer created especially for families, ‘Twas the Night Before… features thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters, and a soundtrack including holiday classics re-invented by Cirque du Soleil. The show was conceived and is directed by Cirque du Soleil Senior Artistic Director James Hadley, a 25-year veteran of circus productions and live theater.

Have you ever wondered how set designs are created? How do they enhance performance? Join Analog Dance Works in residency at AFMSP as they develop the first draft of the set design for their project The Awe Factor, or in French, L’Effet Waouh, inspired by single use plastic waste juxtaposing the emotion of awe. The set design will be revealed at the ouverture de residence, residency opening, on Thursday, November 30 at 6:00pm.

During this event, you can meet the dancers, see photos, and enjoy some light snacks and drinks! Founding Analog Director Brenna Mosser will also be present to answer any questions about the residency, as well as to give a short speech on Analog Dance Works and their mission as a dance company.

The post-residency performance will present the choreographic work created during Analog’s time inside Alliance Française’s walls Friday, December 15 at 6:00pm, followed by a Q&A with the company.

Prints presented in the exhibit will be for sale that will benefit both Alliance Française and Analog Dance Works’ 11 dance artists and administration staff.

This event is free with a suggested donation of $10. Registration is encouraged but not required.

A fusion of classical poetry, shadow puppetry, live Nordic folk music, and contemporary dance, set within a dark winter forest.
The production explores colonialism and cultural erasure from the perspective of the lesser pantheon of Norse deities, the Vanir.

Doors at 7:00pm
Show at 7:30pm
Runtime: 70 minutes

Week 1
Thursday, November 30
Friday, December 1
Saturday, December 2

Week 2
Thursday, December 7
Friday, December 8
Saturday, December 9 – ASL interpretation
Sunday, December 10 – Emergency/Cancellation Date

Pre-Sale Tickets
Tickets available online for $25-$35, general admission (including fees).

Rush Tickets
30 walk-up pay-what-you-can tickets will be released nightly at 6:30pm, first come first serve!

Cast and Crew
Written, Directed, and Produced by Nat Allister
Bragi – Willie Johnson
Nerthus – Rhiannon Fiskradatz
Composed by Kat Parent
Music performed by Kat Parent, Mili Judge-Becker, Josh Conroy, and Nat Allister
Shadow Puppetry by Becca Mellstrom and Alex Young
Puppeteering by Becca Mellstrom, Alex Young and Sofia Padilla
Choreography by Gabby Abram
Ensemble: Odessa Rain, Kae McMahon, Allison Durham, Fenja Frances, Ben Siglin, Rachel Lieberman, Eliana Durnbaugh, and
Danielle Ricci Cheng
Costuming by Kathy Kohl
Set Design by Rachel Eilts
Paper headpieces made by hand at the MN Book Arts Center by Lux Fabré

Saturday, December 2 at 2:00pm – Pay As You Are
Saturday, December 2 at 7:00pm
Sunday, December 3 at 2:00pm

As the weather chills, we chill into playful original choreography and movement improvisations set to the groovy jazz tunes of Vince Guaraldi’s playful and nostalgic Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack, played live by local jazz musicians! CHILL pairs a cast of seven dynamic local dancers and an excellent live jazz quartet – The Jazz Outlaws – to bring the entire soundtrack of the 1965 animated TV special Charlie Brown Christmas to life, and we’re making some exciting tweaks to keep the show fresh for those who have already seen it. And artist Brad Erickson will be at the 2:00pm Saturday show to offer free Peanuts-style caricatures!

CHILL offers a unique holiday outing option great for yuletide revelry-seekers of all backgrounds and ages: kids 12 and under are just $10.00, and lap-sitters are free. The show has an earlier start time and runs about an hour, making it an ideal option for families. Come experience some quirky holiday joy, and enjoy a pint and a meal while you are at it: unlike many other holiday productions, we do not perform this show every year, so don’t miss your chance to join us! See you at the show!

The next Floorwork is at the ARENA.
Saturday, December 2
12:00-2:00pm
RSVP is appreciated – please do so by Friday, December 1.

This December Floorwork will focus on grand visions and collective goal-setting. What is your big dream? What are you presently working on? Conversation will be assisted by Nieya Amezquita and Cheng Xiong.

Conversation will be held over a communal meal – bring your own dish to share in our potluck! ARENA DANCES will supply beverages, plates, napkins, and utensils.

10th Anniversary Performance – An Evening to Support Collide Theatrical

Saturday, December 2
6:00–10:00pm
At Mixed Blood Theatre

Help us celebrate the past 10 years and toast to the next decade, while we raise crucial funds to support the future of the company. The evening will feature a performance highlighting favorite dance excerpts from our past shows.

Tickets can be purchased at online, or by calling 651-395-7903, ext. 701.

Schedule
6:00–7:30pm: Silent Auction, Drinks, and Appetizers
7:30–9:00pm: Performance

Cocktail or semi-formal attire requested.

Minnesota State University, Mankato is dedicating their Fall Dance Concert to Dr. Julie Kerr-Berry on Saturday, December 2 at 2:00pm.

Julie retired in July 2023 and we’re excited to celebrate her legacy of scholarship, artistry and leadership. Dr. Kerr-Berry taught at Minnesota State Mankato from 1988-2023 and her influence and impact, both within the state and beyond in the field of dance, is incredible.

Please come and celebrate with Julie!