By Christopher Benincasa, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 12/17/2021
This past September, Roxey Ballet Company’s studios, offices, and theatre in the river town of Lambertville were totally destroyed by Hurricane Ida. This coming Sunday, December 19, they’re throwing a big fundraiser - Rise Up and Rebuild the Ballet - at their temporary home, the New Hope Eagle Fire Hall, right across the river from their New Jersey facilities. There will be food, drink, and a lot of dancing.
We recently got the opportunity to sit down with company founder Mark Roxey to talk about rebuilding after Ida, and about how the community has rallied together to save Roxey Ballet Company.
For more information, including tickets to Rise Up and Rebuild the Ballet event or how to donate, visit www.roxeyballet.org.
New Jersey Ballet Presents Red, White And Blue
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJCelebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with New Jersey Ballet in a powerful evening of dance that captures the spirit, energy, innovation and resilience of the nation through the language of ballet. Red, White and Blue brings together iconic masterworks and bold contemporary voices in a program that reflects the many dimensions of the American experience while honoring New Jersey’s essential role in the fight for independence and the shaping of the nation.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ 6:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJA holiday mash-up for the whole family,
The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour. Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier® Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and an MC.
2026 Princeton Dance Festival
Friday, November 20, 2026 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJThe 2026 Princeton Dance Festival features new and repertory works by nationally and internationally recognized choreographers, performed by more than 60 Princeton students in an energetic program of dances from a surprising range of dance forms. The Festival program includes:
2026 Princeton Dance Festival
Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 2:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJThe 2026 Princeton Dance Festival features new and repertory works by nationally and internationally recognized choreographers, performed by more than 60 Princeton students in an energetic program of dances from a surprising range of dance forms. The Festival program includes:
2026 Princeton Dance Festival
Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJThe 2026 Princeton Dance Festival features new and repertory works by nationally and internationally recognized choreographers, performed by more than 60 Princeton students in an energetic program of dances from a surprising range of dance forms. The Festival program includes:
EVENT PREVIEWS
State Theatre New Jersey presents The Hip Hop Nutcracker
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents The Hip Hop Nutcracker on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 6:30pm. This is a contemporary dance spectacle that is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky's timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The show features a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop's founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set.
American Repertory Ballet presents "The Nutcracker" in Princeton, Red Bank, and New Brunswick
American Repertory Ballet (ARB) invites you to experience The Nutcracker, a timeless story filled with magic, beauty, and the spirit of the season. For more than 60 years, this cherished production has captivated audiences of all ages, enchanting first-time visitors while remaining a treasured holiday tradition for thousands of families. With its breathtaking dancing, unforgettable music, and beloved characters, The Nutcracker continues to create memories that last a lifetime.
Madison Arts Center presents Carolyn Dorfman Dance
(MADISON, NJ) -- Carolyn Dorfman Dance (CDD), an internationally celebrated contemporary modern dance company based in Union, will present EVERY BODY TELLS A STORY: Folk Tales, Family Stories, and Real Lives in Motion at the Madison Arts Center on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 4:00pm. Spend a joyous afternoon with Artistic Director Carolyn Dorfman and the Company, where dance takes center stage as the storyteller. With a backstage pass, you're not just watching from the audience; you’re getting an up-close look and can be a part of the energy, emotion, and craft that goes into every piece.
