JOIN OUR BE THE CHANGE DRAWING FROM OCT. 1 - DEC. 3, 2025
NOT-
CRACKER
Open Space presents their unconventional winter DANCE show, NOT-Cracker! Get it? Experience Portland’s very own holiday spectacular, set in the city we all love. NOT-Cracker tells the tale of Ted, an unfortunate friend who thinks they can't dance--until they are swept up by a cast of wilding characters. Join Ted as they enter NOT-Cracker's colorful world, where dance finds us all!
Choreographed by Open Space co-founders Franco Nieto, Charlene Hannibal, Maeve Dougal, and renowned Tokyo Street artist, Uno; NOT-Cracker will feature Open Space’s company artists, Street dancer NØIR, an act by Charles Roy (HBO’s Legendary), and over sixty students from The School at Open Space
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Grab your friends and family and make a new NOT-so-traditional holiday tradition!
NEWMARK THEATRE
1111 SW BROADWAY
DEC 5 / /
7:30 PM
DEC 6 / /
2:00 + 7:30 PM
DEC 7 / /
3:30 PM
NOT-CRACKER KIDS!
STEP INTO THE WORLD OF NOT-CRACKER:
Ted’s Journey Comes to Life at Our Community Kids Day!
SUNDAY NOV 23
/ / 3:00 - 4:30 PM
No prior dance background is needed.
TICKET PRICING
FREE!
ATTIRE
Comfortable clothing you can move in — favorite dance clothes or costumes encouraged! Ballet shoes optional.
Kids ages 3–12 can dance alongside Open Space teaching artists in a free workshop exploring the music, characters, and movement from our beloved Portland-style holiday classic. Dancers will step into the world of NOT-Cracker characters — from baby penguins and waltzing flowers to mischievous mini NOT-Bunnies and an enchanting Sugar Plum — through games, crafts, movement, and dance making. The afternoon also features special performances from Open Space Too and students from The School at Open Space.
LOCATION
Open Space’s Creative Container: Disjecta Studio
Oregon Center for Contemporary Art
8371 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR
WANT TO SEE US IN FULL PRODUCTION?
Join us for NOT-Cracker at the Newmark Theatre, Dec 5–7.
Purchase tickets here
Questions? Email theschool@openspace.dance