NOT-
CRACKER
2026
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
Grab your friends and family and make a new NOT-so-traditional holiday tradition!
NEWMARK THEATRE
1111 SW BROADWAY
DEC 4 / /
7:30 PM
DEC 5 / /
2:00 + 7:30 PM
DEC 6 / /
3:30 PM
NOT-CRACKER KIDS!
STEP INTO THE WORLD OF NOT-CRACKER:
Ted’s Journey Comes to Life at Our Community Kids Day!
November 2026
Date/Time TBA
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