Be sure to grab your family and friends for an incredible performance and re-imagining of the classic holiday story as you follow Carlos on his hip hop journey to self-discovery through magical lands filled with larger-than-life characters!
2023 PERFORMANCE info
Featuring RACE Dance Company, RACE Academy, Capitol Hill High School, Classen School of Advanced Studies Middle School, John Marshall High School, Northwest Classen High School, and Putnam City Original High School.
Artistic Director: LaKeysta Goree
a show intentionally designed to showcase local talent and give young dancers a show they could see themselves in
Established in 2012, RACE's Hip Hop Nutcracker (HHN) is a collaborative partnership with multiple Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) dance programs that offer students hands-on educational and performance opportunities with a local professional dance company. The performance tells a coming-of-age, full-circle story that follows Carlos on his journey to self-discovery. Though supported by his mother, Carlos struggles to find his purpose without his father. As Carlos travels through the Lands of Possibilities and Hidden Treasures, he encounters larger-than-life characters, reminding him that the greatest love comes from the community that surrounds him.
HHN is hosted by Oklahoma City Community College every December and provides approximately 100 students the opportunity to perform in a state-of-the-art facility for their families, friends, and communities. Our show's heart embraces Oklahoma City's culture and would not exist without our connection with the OKCPS dance programs.
community panel
“beyond borders”
For its 10th anniversary in 2022, RACE premiered two of its original performances with Spanish narration. Approximately 20% of OKC’s population is Hispanic, and it is the most dominant culture of Oklahoma City Public Schools, contributing to 54% of the student body. Since RACE dancers work within the schools for rehearsals with the students, it inspired the Collective to honor Hispanic families and students by creating meaningful and accessible artistic opportunities for these communities.
WHAT IS BEYOND BORDERS?
Led by scholar Mark Griffin, a community panel discussed the dilemmas immigrant cultures face as they assimilate into mainstream American society. Dr. Griffin shared his experiences and research about the topic, as a native from Mexico. The goal is to establish an environment that fosters awareness and a deeper connection between neighboring communities in Oklahoma.
Expanding RACE’s Hip Hop Nutcracker into a Spanish iteration, coupled with a humanities panel, RACE hopes that the participating dancers can celebrate their heritage while being exposed to mainstream dance. In addition, the performance provides an experience for them to feel welcomed for who they are, where they come from, and appreciated by their community.
PRAISE FOR RACE’S HIP HOP NUTCRACKER
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THIS PRODUCTION IS ONE OF THE MOST INSPIRING EVENTS TO HAPPEN IN THE CITY. I URGE YOU TO CATCH IT BEFORE IT TAKES OFF WORLDWIDE!
-TONY T.
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EVERYONE SHOULD SEE THIS AMAZING SHOW! I ALWAYS WALK AWAY WANTING TO SEE IT AGAIN!
-ANNA J.
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IT'S SO IMPORTANT FOR MY STUDENTS TO SEE TWO LEADS THAT ARE HEALTHY, HAPPY, SUCCESSFUL BLACK PEOPLE. MY STUDENTS CONNECTED TO SO MANY PEERS IN A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT.
-OKCPS SCHOOL TEACHER
Giving Soles raises funding to provide a brand new pair of shoes for every high school participant in RACE’s Hip Hop Nutcracker. RACE partners with Variant OKC to gift each dancer a quality pair of shoes to perform in and keep.
The shoes came into play because we wanted the kids to see that we really want them to take those steps forward into their future; they’re a representation of their future and our belief in their future. Thank you to all that have donated over the years. These kids walk away feeling seen, heard and supported!
THe 2023 PERFORMANCE waS SUPPORTED BY THESE FOUNDATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Disclaimer: Please note that this show, RACE's Hip Hop Nutcracker, is a local show in Oklahoma City put on by 501c3 RACE Dance Collective
and the OKCPS programs, not to be confused with The Hip Hop Nutcracker presented by the NJPAC out of New Jersey.