Where Holiday Stories Come Alive in Our Black Box Theater

There is something special about walking into our black box theater at Center Stage Dance. The room has this magic trick it does where it instantly shrinks the world a little. Suddenly things get quieter brighter and closer. You can feel the energy floating around like tiny snowflakes that have no intention of melting.

As we celebrate our tenth season this space reminds us more than ever why we built it in the first place. We wanted performances to feel personal. We wanted dancers to step onto a stage that felt familiar instead of intimidating. We wanted families to settle into their seats and see every moment that makes dance feel real and meaningful.

Each year our studio puts on several performances but one carries a special holiday glow. Merry and Bright is our annual Christmas show performed only by our competitive team. They have been working on it since August building choreography teamwork and enough festive cheer to power Santa’s sleigh. The show is under an hour which makes it the perfect burst of Christmas magic and younger dancers love seeing their class helpers in full star mode.

Even though it is exclusively a competitive team performance Merry and Bright still captures the heart of our black box traditions. As soon as the lights rise the space transforms. Suddenly this warm cozy room becomes a little winter world full of story sparkle and joy.

Our recitals throughout the year share that same intimate feel. Dancers rehearse in the actual performance space during normal class time which builds confidence long before show week. Families do not have to travel across town because everything happens in a familiar space that feels like home. Older dancers get multiple performance opportunities and younger dancers feel safe supported and excited.

We also love offering a live stream so family and friends near and far can be part of the experience. It adds connection and warmth to every show.

Entering our tenth season has made us especially reflective about how meaningful this little theater has become. It gives dancers a place to grow. It gives families a place to gather. And it gives all of us a place to create memories that shine bright long after the final bow.