East Harlem, New York. Students of the Uptown Dance Academy (UDA) are looking for a little more leg room to practice their award winning performances these days. A massive Capital Campaign is underway to move back to their former 12,000 sq. ft facility on East 121st Street and Third Avenue. UDA, the premiere dance school for youth ages 3-19 is in a temporary home at 167 East 121st Street (between Lexington and Third Avenues). "Finding an affordable location that can meet the needs of the UDA has been a difficult battle, but we are happy to say we are in negotiations to go back home to a much larger space," said Founder and Artistic Director Ms. Robin Williams. "Raising the funds for this move is a very large undertaking." We are proud to announce that this years production of The Black Nutcracker will take place at The Apollo Theater. A portion of the proceeds from these performances will go towards this Capital Campaign.

The kids that attend UDA are mostly from low-income urban families. UDA is the most affordable dance school in the tri-state area serving these talented youth. They work under extremely limited conditions, yet they manage to compete with the best in the

country. We are hoping the community, local and corporate businesses will join us in raising the $250,000 needed to fund the move into our permanent home.

The Uptown Dance Academy is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Donations are accepted and are tax deductible.

Join The Uptown Dance Academy for The 14th Annual Black Nutcracker on Friday, December 18, 2009. Three condensed shows will be presented for schools, programs and after-school programs at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm and one full-length Gala Performance will be presented at 7:00pm. These high-energy performances will celebrate both music and dance at Harlem’s Historic Apollo Theater.

This legendary classic ballet is an African-American version featuring a collection of dance styles from Classical Ballet, to Hip-Hop, Cha-Cha Slide and African Dance on Pointe. Featuring music from Tchiakovsky, Duke Ellington, the Commodores and live African Drumming. It’s a must see event for the entire family. Call (212) 987-5030 or email UDAgala@aol.com to reserve your tickets now.

Proceeds from the production of The Black Nutcracker will not only go towards the Capital Campaign, it will also provide vitally needed scholarships for talented students of UDA and support its ongoing arts-in-education programs and performances.

The Uptown Dance Academy is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Donations are accepted and are tax deductible. Your financial support will ensure our continued success.

For ticketing and sponsorship information, click here.