(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents a pair of dance performances in a series sponsored by M&T Bank. Performances include the State Ballet Theater of Ukraine with Cinderella on January 21st and the World Premiere of Year of the Green Wood Dragon by Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company on February 10-11, 2024.

Sun, January 21 @ 3:00pm - Cinderella: State Ballet Theater of Ukraine. On the heels of its popular Nutcracker performance in December 2023 at NJPAC, the State Ballet Theater of Ukraine returns with the breathtaking two-act performance of Cinderella. With no less than 55 of the best Ukrainian performers, this respected ensemble has performed to the delight of the public around the world. This full-scale performance to music by Sergei Prokofiev and choreography by Andrei Litvinov tell the story of a beautiful girl looking for her charming prince. Finally, with the help of magic, she discovers that dreams can come true. 

This classic fairy tale will delight the whole family with graceful dancers, enchanting music, and beautiful costumes.

Saturday, February 10 @ 7:30pm and Sunday, February 11 @ 2:00pm - Nai-Ni Chen: Year of the Green Wood Dragon world premiere. A Newark tradition for over two decades, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company returns to NJPAC to welcome the coming of the Spring of 2024, the Year of the Green Wood Dragon. It is a spectacular experience for all ages, combining traditional Chinese celebration with modern flair. NJPAC hosts this fantastic Newark celebration of the Lunar New Year with performances and festivities by the Fort Lee-based company, Nai-Ni Chen Dance. The Company Dancers, acrobats and musicians perform in festive costumes in red, gold, blue and purple colors symbolizing their prayer for a peaceful and harmonious New Year with plenty of prosperity and good fortune for everyone to enjoy and share.

This year’s program premieres a NJPAC-commissioned work: Mongolian Festival by Mongolian dancer/choreographer Lawrence Jin. In this traditional Mongolian dance, he focuses on the generous spirit of the Mongolian people, the powerful Mongolian warriors and the respect they have for the great prairie that is essential for the nomadic life. The dance portrays aspects of Mongol herders' daily activities, including milking cows, cooking, hunting, household labor, celebrations, and traditions. This culturally rich and dynamic performance will be accompanied by traditional Mongolian music, creating a captivating and immersive experience for the audience.

Tickets range from $20-$79 and are available for purchase online (click on the title of each show for the ticket page) or by calling NJPAC at 1.888.GO.NJPAC / 1.888.466.5722. New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is located at One Center Street in Newark, New Jersey.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States.  It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey — where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day.  As New Jersey’s anchor cultural institution, 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 more than 11 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.

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