Scoop: The Little Dancer – this Family Musical is a Must-See this Holiday Season


Performer in The Little Dancer

With so many options for holiday fun in New York City, it helps to make a list of your must-see’s and must-do’s. If “see a holiday show” is on your family’s bucket list this year, we’ve got the scoop on a kid-friendly show that is returning to the city for its second production on Saturday, December 1, 2019!

“The Little Dancer…a holiday family musical” tells the story of how 14-year-old Marie Van Goethem, Edgar Degas’ model for his first and only sculpture, became the most famous ballerina in the world. If your little ones love to dance, then this show will be right up their alley. But even if dance is not their calling, this show has something for every kid, age 6 to 106! We especially love the “The Little Dancer…a holiday family musical” because the cast includes five New York actors, as well as 30 choristers played by child performers. Little ones will get to watch kids their own age singing, dancing, and acting up on stage – talk about an inspiration!

Written by Steven Fisher, and directed and choreographed by Broadway veterans, Richard Vida and Lainie Sakakura, the show creates amazing opportunities for young kids to learn from musical experts. “It’s been awesome learning from Broadway pros like Mr. Vida and Ms. Sakakura,” says 13-year old MTGC cast member Elizabeth Clancy. “My friends don’t believe me when I tell them I’m making my NYC theatrical debut!”

Last year’s premier entertained families from all across the city, receiving stellar reviews. Kristen Morale of Broadway World wrote: “There is something so ethereal about this production…The story of Marie, as told through captivating dancers, the intriguing Degas, a colorful plot and the talent and enthusiasm of the Geek Chorus, is … a wild success.” The Little Dancer was also featured last year on Good Morning America!

“Children’s Theatre doesn’t have to be dumbed down for kids or boring for adults. Kids today are savvy, and their parents always appreciate not being put to sleep,” says Fisher. “This particular show has it all for young people, offering them the world of theatre, art, dance, and musical theatre all in one.” The young cast lights up the stage with their big smiles, spirit, and energy, sure to spread holiday cheer to your family.

“The Little Dancer…a holiday family musical” will run at Theater 71 at 152 West 71st Street on Manhattan’s Upper West Side throughout December. Book your tickets today and read more about the production! We’re super excited about the holiday season, and we know that you and your little ones are too, so kick off the festivities on December 1 with “The Little Dancer…a holiday family musical”!

Discount Code Here!

The Little Dancer is offering a promo code for 10% off tickets with code NYF10.

Photos by Lia Chang.


Scoops are sponsored posts from carefully chosen New York Family Partners. Working with sponsors helps to keep our quality content free for our readers.

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Speakitaly NYC

<p>SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.  Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress. </p> <p>Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge.</p> <p>Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City… Who doesn’t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history & in the arts?</p> <p>Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor’s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"</p>

Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp

<p>Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp offers five daily rotating activities such as swimming, ice skating gymnastics, rock climbing, parkour, indoor/outdoor turf, and courts plus more in its ample 175,000 sq. ft. facility and 35-acre outdoor area. Aviator Summer Camp also offers off-site and on-site field trips such as a day at Green Meadows Farm, Launch Trampoline Park, and a Brooklyn Cyclones game. The summer camp runs from 9 am-5 pm with early drop off and late stay available. Bus transportation is also available throughout Brooklyn. Lunch and an afternoon snack are included. Sign up by February 28th to receive up to $300 off camp with early bird discounts.</p>

Play On! Studios

<p>Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games!</p> <p>Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun!</p> <p>Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show!</p> <p>During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we’ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us.</p> <p> </p>