A TRAINING GROUND
FOR ASPIRING YOUNG DANCERS
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Cambridge Youth Dance Program Presents "What the Dickens!"
A contemporary dance twist on a holiday classic // December 14-22, 2019 // John Hancock Hall
Find fun things to do in Boston
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Celebrating the 11th anniversary of ‘What the Dickens!’, Deborah Mason's Cambridge Youth Dance Company, with their roster of stellar guest artists (and some surprise appearances!), are bringing their acclaimed production of 'What the Dickens!' to John Hancock Hall for six performances, Dec. 14 – 22, 2019. Weaving contemporary dance, ballet, tap, hip hop, flamenco, projections, narration and more, ‘What The Dickens!’ (a Boston Globe Top Holiday Pick) is an enchanting dance-theater rendition of Dickens’ classic, timely story of transforming greed into kindness and joy. Produced and Directed by Deborah Mason and Leslie Woodies (Broadway veteran and Boston Ballet alum), What The Dickens! bursts with “positive themes of humanity, love, inclusion and hope that will make your heart soar.” Mason says,
“That's our message. This is our gift to Boston.”
Performances Dec 14 - 22: Saturdays at 2 pm & 7 pm, and Sundays
at 2 pm. Tickets start at $22.50. John Hancock Hall, 180 Berkeley St,
Boston, MA 02116. Look for tickets available now;
Visit cydp.org for details.
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WHAT THE DICKENS! is a great show for the family, both affordable and intimate. Boston Ballet alum Clyde Nantais returns as Ebenezer Scrooge, Ryan P. Casey and Jenny Oliver as Bob and Mrs. Cratchit,
Ruka White as Marley, Yosi Karahashi as the Ghost of Christmas Future, along with other collaborations with artists, set building, and costumes.
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With original choreography and concept by David Drummond,
other choreographic contributors include Ryan Casey, Mariano Figuero, Khalid Hill, Celia Marino, Deborah Mason, Corinne Mason, Jenny Oliver, Jeryl Palana Pilapil, Ruka White, and Leslie Woodies.
“WHAT THE DICKENS! provides the aspiring dancers an opportunity to work with professionals in the industry, and to perform in an evolving theatrical production. Above all, we love the dance’s positivity, and themes of empathetic humanity and the message of kindness and inclusion,” Mason says. “That's a message we want to keep sending.”
CYDP is a supportive network which provides multiple opportunities
for dancers and the community. Transcending the notion of "pre-professional training," CYDP uses dance as a platform to increase
self-esteem, focus, teamwork, and creativity. CYDP opens its auditions to boys and girls, ages 10-20. Once accepted, students place into appropriate levels based on performance and focus; all new and returning dancers must audition for the company each year.
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CYDP dancers are mentored and supported throughout the audition process by CYDP staff. Many have gone on to professional careers, appearing in music videos with Janet Jackson and Beyonce among many others. They have also appeared in major tour productions from EVITA to BILLY ELLIOT to major motion pictures.
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Enjoy some clips of past performances:
What the Dickens! 2017
Cambridge Youth Dance Program presents "What the Dickens!" - an urban contemporary dance twist on a classic holiday tale! Artistic Director Deborah Mason Dudley, Directed by Leslie Woodies, and choreographed by Mason, Woodies, David Drummond, Celia Marino, Khalid Hill, Rocky Mendes, Jeryl Palana, and others. "What the Dickens!" interweaves classical ballet with tap, hip hop, and contemporary dance.
Selected as 2017 Boston Globe's Top Dance Pick!
2017 All Rights Reserved
What the Dickens! 2016
Cambridge Youth Dance Program presents "What the Dickens!" - an urban contemporary dance twist on a classic holiday tale! Artistic Director Deborah Mason Dudley, Directed by Leslie Woodies, and choreographed by Mason, Woodies, David Drummond, Khalid Hill, Rocky Mendes, Jeryl Palana, and Adrienne Hawkins. "What the Dickens!" interweaves classical ballet with tap, hip hop, and contemporary dance.
Selected as 2016 Boston Globe's Top Dance Pick!
2016 All Rights Reserved
What the Dickens! 2015
Cambridge Youth Dance Program presents "What the Dickens!" - an urban contemporary dance twist on a classic holiday tale! Directed by Deborah Mason Dudley, and choreographed by David Drummond, Rocky Mendes and Khalid Hill, Anjali Nath, Jeryl Palana, and Sean Fielder of the Boston Tap Company. "What the Dickens!" interweaves classical ballet with tap, hip hop, and contemporary dance.
Selected as 2015 Boston Globe's Top Dance Pick!
2015 All Rights Reserved
What the Dickens! 2014
Cambridge Youth Dance Program presents "What the Dickens!" - an urban contemporary dance twist on a classic holiday tale! Directed by Deborah Mason Dudley, and choreographed by David Drummond, Rocky Mendes and Khalid Hill. "What the Dickens!" interweaves classical ballet with tap, hip hop, and contemporary dance.
Selected as 2014 Boston Globe's Top Dance Pick!
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2014 All Rights Reserved
What the Dickens! 2013
Cambridge Youth Dance Program presents "What the Dickens!" - an urban contemporary dance twist on a classic holiday tale! Directed by Deborah Mason Dudley, and choreographed by David Drummond, Billy and Bobby "The Wondertwins" McClain, Carl Alleyne of the BeanTown Lockers, and Rocky Mendes, "What the Dickens!" interweaves classical ballet with tap, hip hop, and contemporary dance.
Selected as 2013 Boston Globe's Top Dance Pick!
2013 All Rights Reserved
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