”Twas the Night Before Christmas’

“’Twas the Night Before Christmas” is a special holiday production by Lake Tahoe’s Shining Stars of the Marcia Sarosik Dance Studio.

It returns to Harrah’s Lake Tahoe on Dec. 4 at 1pm and 4pm.

The production, based on the classic holiday poem, made its debut in 2006. The dancers range in age from 2½ to 18.

“Jingle Bell Rock”, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” are some of the favorite holiday songs performed by the dancers.

Excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” include the Sugarplum Fairy danced by Melissa Jo Marsh, who recently attended the Boston Ballet’s summer intensive. The Snowflakes and the Waltz of the Flowers will be presented by the middle school and advanced ballet students, with younger ballet students performing as angels in the “Magic Toy Shop”.

A Rockettes style kick line in addition to contemporary, lyrical hip hop and tap dances to songs that follow the story are included in the show. Some of the dancers making their stage debut at this event are part of the Shining Stars’ outreach program, which sponsors dance education for students who would otherwise not be able to participate in dance classes and performances.

The high school couples class brings some of South Tahoe High School’s athletes to the stage and the dance class and glee chorus from the high school will also perform.

The proceeds from this year’s productions will benefit organizations that support needy children on the South Shore.

Ticket prices are $12 general admission and $6 for seniors and students. Tickets are available online until Friday afternoon and will be also be available at the door 30 minutes prior to each show.