An Urban Nutcracker
An Urban Nutcracker is a ballet created for the holiday season and as an alternative to the traditional Nutcracker. It is an engaging work that encompasses the urban environment, and it has become an audience favorite in addition to drawing the most diverse of SMAG Dance Collective’s audiences.
An Urban Nutcracker brings together dancers from throughout the Dayton, Ohio area as well as some out of town guest performers from the tri-state area. The ballet is performed by a cast of approximately 50 performers which is comprised of professional dancers, students and volunteers. Funk Lab Dance Center is among this season's guest performers. In the past, SMAG Dance Collective's presentations of An Urban Nutcracker have featured present and former members of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, and we hope to do so again this season with your support.
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Why An Urban Nutcracker Is Important to SMAG Dance Collective and to Our Community
An Urban Nutcracker is SMAG Dance Collective's largest seasonal offering and is only made possible by the generous support of people like you and grant funding from the Ohio Arts Council in addition to the immensely appreciated in kind donations from volunteers and local businesses.
This production is very much representative of the company's mission which is to provide opportunity for dancers and choreographers, educate and entertain diverse audiences, and to bridge the gap between artists, arts organizations and the community. SMAG Dance Collective also collaborates with other organizations as a part of our mission, and the company has spearheaded an effort to dialogue with other arts producing organizations and develop collaborations which push the impetus of the region toward being an arts and cultural destination.
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About SMAG:
SMAG Dance Collective is a contemporary fusion dance company founded by Michael Groomes in 2003. The company's eclecticism in movement, choice of venue and its dancers pushes the boundaries of contemporary dance.
Seasonal offerings include SMAGMare in October, which is a haunted house/nightmare a la dance and An Urban Nutcracker, performed in December, which is an “urban” take on the original Nutcracker. Our annual Spring Fling is purely devoted to the art of dance; challenging, physical, dynamic and insightful works are performed. The Spring Fling also serves as a showcase for emerging choreographers.
SMAG performs regularly in Dayton, Ohio at several events including Urban Nights, Tuesday Tales and First Fridays to name a few. In addition to making appearances at events, SMAG produces several shows throughout our performing season.
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Our Needs and What You Get for Supporting SMAG Dance Collective's Presentation of An Urban Nutcracker
Funding will be used for the following:
- Additional rehearsal space for 3 months ($1200)
- Booking the performance venue, Dayton Playhouse, for performances ($900)
- Compensation for technical production staff ($1000)
- Compensation for the dance artists ($5000)
Perks for you!
- Class with the company
- A backstage pass for the December 21st evening show!
- An invitation to a rehearsal of An Urban Nutcracker
- VIP seating at the show! We're reserving the best seats in the house just for you!
- A SMAG t-shirt or ceramic mug
- An autographed 10th Anniversary 2013-2014 Season poster
- Dinner with the dancers
- Perform in An Urban Nutcracker with the company and other performing artists!
- SMAG Dance Collective will appear at your event and present choreography tailored for the occasion.
Delegation of funds:
In the event that SMAG does not reach its entire fundraising goal for this campaign, funds will be used first for rehearsal space and booking the performance venue followed by compensation for the artists and technical staff.
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Other Ways in Which You Can Support SMAG Dance Collective's Presentation of An Urban Nutcracker
If you cannot contribute to our Indiegogo campaign, it does not mean you cannot help:
- Spread the word about SMAG Dance Collective's Indiegogo campaign!
- Use the Indiegogo share tools!
- Email marketing@smagdance.org if you are interested in volunteering to help distribute marketing materials for the event.
- Contact smag10@smagdance.org for other ways in which you can help including in kind donations, volunteering to help with house management for the performances and helping out backstage.
With Sincere Thanks
SMAG Dance Collective is truly grateful for the generosity, support and in kind donations of volunteers, donors, grant making organizations such as the Ohio Arts Council, the Downtown Dayton Partnership and local businesses that make what we do possible. SMAG is both grateful for and honored by the opportunity to present dance for its 10th Anniversary Season which is made a reality by the community we call home.
We love you Dayton, Ohio!!! and love all of our friends that may be separated from us by miles but are so very near to us in our heart!!!
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