Forever Christmas, the annual Christmas show put on by Forever Dance, is returning for the seventh year this Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3, at Kenai Central High School’s Renee C. Henderson Auditorium.
Darcy Swanson, Forever Dance owner and director, said the show is a variety showcase for almost everything studio has to offer, and serves as a fun holiday tradition and an opportunity to get on stage early in the season.
“There aren’t any other local Christmas productions quite like what we do,” she said. “Everything from ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, musical theater.”
Every dancer from Forever Dance will have a part in the production — well over 200 dancers. Swanson said the instructors will be making appearances as well.
Though the show covers a significant variety of music and styles, Swanson said an element the group tries to focus on is “the real meaning of Christmas.”
“We do a beautiful Nativity routine every year that everybody just kind of tends to cry through.”
Another of the highlights of this year’s show will be “Snow,” from “The Nutcracker,” which Swanson said will feature falling snow on stage.
“It’s almost a seven-minute ballet,” Swanson said. “I really appreciate the artistry and the skill level that our dancers have to work years to acquire for that piece.”
The preschoolers will be showcased as a group of 45 reindeer who, Swanson said, “always bring down the house.”
Other routines will include “Hot Chocolate” from “The Polar Express,” “Frosty the Snowman,” a couple of Rockette-inspired pieces and plenty more.
The kids start practicing for the Christmas routines show right after Halloween. They enjoy the fun Christmas music, but according to Swanson, it’s all about the first opportunity to get on stage and perform.
“Dancers live to be on the stage, so they just can’t wait to get in front of their families and our awesome community and perform.”
The auditorium at KCHS has been transformed into a “Christmas wonderland,” and the kids will be immersed in costumes and lighting.
Swanson said Forever Christmas is an opportunity to “feel the spirit of Christmas,” and the “magic of the holiday season,” a great way to kick off December festivities. The show is also a chance to see some of the talent and art in the local community.
Forever Christmas will hit the stage on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 and 3. There are three shows, a 7 p.m. on both days, and a 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased for $7 online at foreverdancealaska.com. More information about Forever Dance and Forever Christmas can be found at Forever Dance on Facebook and Instagram.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
Kindergartners practice their tap-dancing routines for Forever Christmas on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, at Forever Dance in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Hip-Hop students practice their routines for Forever Christmas with instructor Marquece Blanks on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, at Forever Dance in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Hip-Hop students practice their routines for Forever Christmas on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, at Forever Dance in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Hip-Hop students practice their routines for Forever Christmas on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, at Forever Dance in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
