COCA Family Theatre Series Presents THE LITTLE DANCER: 3D!, Now thru 12/9

The 2012-2013 COCA Family Theatre Series presents three performances of its holiday tradition, The Little Dancer, tonight, December 7-9, 2012. The Little Dancer tells the tale of Degas' famous statuette, who comes to life and finds herself in various scenes depicted in works of art. This year, the title character discovers three-dimensional art and explores this form by dancing among the pieces with choreography inspired by the artwork itself. Hundreds of colorful costumes and a clear storyline make this production a wonderful introduction to dance and visual art for children and their families.

This hour-long story ballet features students from the greater St. Louis area. This year's lead role of the Little Dancer will be performed Mariana Jurado of Creve Coeur, a junior at Visitation Academy. COCA faculty members Kathleen Radke and Josh Routh play the ballet teacher and the artist, respectively.

The Little Dancer: 3D! is performed by COCA's student ballet company Ballet Eclectica and choreographed by COCA's Director of Dance Amy Scheers, along with guest choreographers Darrell Grand Moultrie, Christine O'Neal, Christine Kardell and Shannon Lee West. The production is generously underwritten by Mary Strauss.

Performances of The Little Dancer: 3D! will be tonight, December 7 at 7PM; Saturday, December 8 at 2PM; and Sunday, December 9 at 1:30PM. Individual tickets range from $14-$18 and are currently available at www.cocastl.org or by calling 314-725-6555 ext. 130. Performances are at Founders' Theatre at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, University City, St. Louis, MO 63130.

COCA will offer Tutu Time Workshops prior to performances tonight, December 7, at 6:00pm and Saturday, December 8, at 12:30pm. Children ages 3+ with a parent or caregiver will create a simple, wearable tutu (no sewing involved). The Little Dancer Tea will follow the performance on Sunday, December 9, at 2:30pm. Both the workshops and the tea are $15 each.