Happy Thanksgiving readers! After a brief hiatus, my weekend recommendations are back, this time to provide a welcome repose from Black Friday/Saturday/Sunday madness. From touring tappers to New York traditions, there’s still plenty to be seen this weekend, and probably all of it more exciting than whatever you planned on buying at Macy’s tomorrow.

Minnesota Tappers take to Broadway

The tap troupe Rhythmic Circus might have begun with humble roots, but in the group’s four year history, they’ve quickly made a national statement. Hailing from Minnesota’s Twin Cities, the tappers have been enjoying an often sold-out national tour of their production “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now!”, which stops next at the New Victory Theater in NYC. In addition to extreme tapping feats, the show features live music – a special touch that is becoming unfortunately rare in touring dance productions, but one that will undoubtedly make this performance all the more exciting.

Nov. 29 & 30 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Dec. 1 at 12:00pm and 5:00pm
New Victory Theater
209 W 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
(646) 223-3010

The Joyce welcomes Complexions Contemporary Ballet

One of New York’s premiere contemporary ballet ensembles, Complexions is known for its cast of  versatile dancers, capable of embodying the extremes of both strength and grace. Now in their second week at The Joyce Theatre, Complexions will present two different programs this weekend, both including Dwight Rhoden’s latest work Innervisions, set to a series of Stevie Wonder songs.

Nov. 29 at 8:00pm, Nov. 30 at 2:00pm and 8:00pm, Dec. 1 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm
The Joyce Theatre
175 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10011
(212) 691-9740

Balanchine lives on in a Christmas Tradition

For dancers everywhere, the beginning of the Christmas season can mean only one thing – time for “The Nutcracker.” New York City Ballet, which has been performing Mr. B’s version since 1954, has established its production as the quintessential New York performance of the winter season. With beautiful costumes and sets complimenting the music we all already know, the dancers again and again impress audiences with this revered production. For interested balletomanes, NYCB woman-of-the-moment Sara Mearns takes her turn as both the Sugarplum Fairy and the Dewdrop Fairy, and Ashley Bouder and Sterling Hyltin also get their share of stage time in the first few performances.

Nov. 29 – Jan. 4, multiple showtimes (click here for details)
David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center
20 Lincoln Center
New York, NY 10023
(212) 870-5500