Presenting the Polar Express
By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER

The Mini's ballet class practices for their performances as Santa's Rockin' Elves in the upcoming production of The Polar Express by JoAnn East's Dance Education Center. The performance is Saturday at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School. JOURNAL PHOTO/CAITLYN KELLEHER

Do you believe in Santa?

The dancers at JoAnn East's Dance Education Centers are hoping to take you on the magical journey of the Polar Express.

This if the first winter performance for the dance school based in Ashburnham and Winchendon.

"It's affordable, frugal and fun," said JoAnn East, the director of the dance school. "It's very family friendly."

East says the school will include everything from the classical ballet to the hiphop and jazz styles of dance as well as tap and lyrical to match the wide-ranging soundtrack of the story.

"The story itself is magical," East said.

The story tells about one child's questions and answers in regards to the existence of Santa Claus.

"It's perfect for anyone that needs that surge of Christmas spirit," East said.

She adds that the message of the story is good beyond the holiday season for children and dancers, alike.

"The message of that story is 'believe,'" she said. "Believe in yourself and you'll never know what will happen."

The show starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School's Stratos Dukakis Theatre in Fitchburg on Route 2A.

Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door.

"We are telling everyone to please add $100 per ticket if you don't believe in Santa," East said.

East said the school is also asking guests to bring an unwrapped toy or canned food item to support JEDEC's Toy & Food Charity Drive.

The dance school is an educational center that also offers students access to competitive dance teams.

A tentative snow date has been booked, so in case of bad weather please call the school's Winchendon office at (978) 297-4440 to listen to the outgoing message.