Twas the Night Before Christmas”, a special holiday production by Lake Tahoe’s Shining Stars of the Marcia Sarosik Dance Studio, returns to Harrah’s Tahoe Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012. Based on the classic holiday poem, the Tahoe production debuted in 2006. There are two show times available to accommodate its growing popularity.

The dancers range in age from 2 1/2 to 18 performing in holiday favorites including “Jingle Bell Rock,” a jazzy rendition of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” a swinging “Jingle Bells” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” This year’s “Waltz of the Snowflakes” from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker with a corps de ballet of middle school aged dancers will feature Melissa Jo Marsh in a new piece of choreography. Marsh attended Joffrey West last summer, and has auditioned for and attended ballet intensives all over the United States for the past five summers.

A Rockettes-style kick line, contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop and tap dances to songs that follow the story are included in the show. Cast members from South Tahoe High School’s upcoming production of “White Christmas” will be joined by the STHS musical theater class for “Happy Holidays.”

Professional vocalists Bob Grant and Angela Aguirre add their special talent to the production. Some of the dancers making their stage debut at this event are part of the Shining Stars’ outreach program, which sponsors dance education for students who would otherwise not be able to participate in dance classes and performances.

The proceeds will benefit organizations that support needy children on the South Shore.  For additional details, visit marciasarosikdancers.com