(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is welcoming live, in-person dance back to its stage throughout 2021 beginning with a new production by the Latin and ballroom champions Maksim and Valentin Chmerkovskiy (ABC’s Dancing with the Stars). Celebrating its first New Jersey performance in over a year, Parsons Dance will return with its athletic ensemble work. In addition, the New Jersey-based Nimbus Dance will present the world premiere of Raucous Caucus Tango, a collaboration with Grammy Award-winning tango virtuoso Pedro Giraudo. In December, NJPAC brings back its popular holiday shows: the traditional “Nutcracker” performed by the State Ballet Theater of Ukraine followed by the NJPAC audience favorite, urban twist on the famous ballet, “The Hip Hop Nutcracker”.
Tue 8/10 @ 7:30pm Maks and Val Live: Stripped Down Tour - Marking their first performance in the tri-state area since the COVID pandemic shutdown, Latin and ballroom champions Maksim and Valentin Chmerkovskiy return to New Jersey this summer. You already know and love the Chmerkovskiy brothers from many seasons on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Now, join them for a new live production packed with dazzling dancing and world-class showmanship true to the Chmerkovskiy name. After the global pandemic forced the cancellation of their highly anticipated “Motion Pictures” Tour, the Chmerkovskiy brothers took time to reflect and rethink how to inspire and entertain in our rapidly-changing world. Enter “Stripped Down”, a unique experience that brings audiences closer to the boys than ever before; an intimate evening packed with breathtaking dancing, deeply personal storytelling, and world class showmanship true to the Chmerkovskiy name. Tickets: $39 and up.
Fri 10/22 @ 7:30pm Parsons Dance - Parsons Dance is a contemporary American dance company, internationally renowned for its energized, athletic ensemble work. Founded in 1985 by Artistic Director David Parsons and Tony Award-winning lighting designer Howell Binkley, the company has toured to more than 445 cities, 30 countries, and five continents and has performed at such notable venues as The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Sydney Opera House, Maison de la Danse, Teatro La Fenice, and Teatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro. Heralded by The New York Times as “one of the great movers of modern dance,” David Parsons has received many accolades throughout his career, including three Choreography Fellowship Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts; the American Choreography Award; the Dance Magazine Award; a Howard Gilman Fellowship; the Dance Masters of America Annual Award, and the Capezio ACE Award. Audiences can expect to enjoy classics from the Parsons Dance repertory, showcasing the company’s 35-year commitment to delivering incomparable works. Tickets: $79 and up.
Sat 11/06 @ 7:00pm TD James Moody Jazz Festival: Nimbus Dance - Based in Jersey City, N.J., the boundary-pushing, community-driven modern dance ensemble performs a special program as part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival— including the world premiere of Raucous Caucus Tango, a collaboration with Latin Grammy Award-winning tango virtuoso Pedro Giraudo (bass, bandleader) and his Tango Quartet: Nick Danielson (violin), Rodolfo Zanetti (bandoneon), and Ahmed Alom (piano). Giraudo is regarded as one of the most compelling tango artists today— an active cultural ambassador for the beautiful and passionate music of his native Argentina.
This creative mash-up of bawdy storytelling, slapstick humor, and exquisite choreography pokes fun at our electoral process, set to the passionate, dramatic rhythms of Argentine tango. This show is part of NJPAC’s TD James Moody Jazz Festival sponsored by TD Bank. Tickets: $59 and up.
Sun 12/11 @ 3:00pm The Nutcracker: State Ballet Theater of Ukraine - It what has become an annual NJPAC tradition, the State Ballet Theater of Ukraine returns with the beloved holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker.” Set to Tchaikovsky's classic score and featuring brand new choreography and productions by Andrey Litvinov, the State Ballet Theater of Ukraine premiered this revised version of "The Nutcracker" to a full house in Dnipro, Ukraine, on December 30-31, 2020. Choreography and design lasted for many months with the pandemic constantly disrupting the process. Fortunately, this new interpretation of a timeless classic still managed to be completed. The company is recognized as one of the most prestigious institutions of classical ballet in Ukraine. With no fewer than 55 of Ukraine's finest performers, this esteemed ensemble has performed to the delight of audiences worldwide. Tickets: $29 and up.
Sun 12/18 @ 2:00pm + 8:00pm The Hip Hop Nutcracker - Another annual holiday tradition is NJPAC's original holiday extravaganza The Hip Hop Nutcracker: a reimagination of the traditional Tchaikovsky ballet with explosive urban choreography. Rap legend Kurtis “The Breaks” Blow serves as the special guest MC (first rapper to be signed to a major label). Witness unstoppable all-star dancers that creatively perform an inventive remix of the classic story of “The Nutcracker.” Expect twists, turns and tons of fun in this full-length show that celebrates love, community and the magic of the holiday season. The Hip Hop Nutcracker has been touring nationwide and performing on the NJPAC stage for seven years, and earning acclaim from critics and audiences from coast to coast. According to CBS, “it turns The Nutcracker on its head, in the coolest possible way!” “Hip Hop Nutcracker brings a generous dose of contemporary spirit, sure to heat up even the most restless and wintry of souls.” (The New York Times) Tickets: $29 and up.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located at One Center Street in downtown Newark, N.J., is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted nearly 10 million visitors (including over 1.7 million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.
