A Christmas Tradition Comes to Life: Clarkesville School of Dance Presents Christmas with Hans Christian Andersen

The magic of Christmas, the beauty of dance, and the wonder of timeless storytelling will come together once again as Clarkesville School of Dance presents Christmas with Hans Christian Andersen on Saturday, November 14, at 7:30 p.m.

What began as a unique addition to Northeast Georgia's holiday celebrations is quickly becoming a cherished community tradition, bringing families together to experience the magic of Christmas through the performing arts.

Under the direction of Francie Keene, owner and director of Clarkesville School of Dance, the production brings the beloved stories of Danish author Hans Christian Andersen to life through ballet, music, elaborate costumes, and imaginative choreography.

Unlike the traditional holiday favorite The Nutcracker, this production offers audiences something different — an opportunity to step inside the pages of some of the world's most treasured fairy tales.

Stories such as The Little Mermaid, The Little Match Girl, The Red Shoes, and The Princess and the Pea have been featured in previous productions, captivating audiences through the artistry and dedication of the school's talented dancers.

A Tradition with a Remarkable History

The production has a rich history that extends well beyond Habersham County.

Originally created by Pittman Corry, the ballet was performed for years in the Atlanta area before the opportunity to continue its legacy was passed to Keene.

In 2023, Clarkesville School of Dance introduced Christmas with Hans Christian Andersen to Northeast Georgia audiences. Since then, the production has continued to grow, establishing its own place among the region's holiday celebrations.

For Keene, whose professional career includes Broadway, Disney, and numerous theatrical productions, bringing this caliber of performance to a small community is about more than entertainment. It is about creating opportunities for young dancers to discover their talents, develop confidence, and experience the excitement of performing onstage.

More Than a Performance

Behind the beautiful costumes, carefully choreographed movements, and magical storytelling are countless hours of rehearsals, dedication, and hard work.

The production gives young dancers an opportunity to experience the discipline and teamwork required to bring a theatrical performance to life while sharing their love of dance with the community.

It also introduces children and families to classic literature in a way that words alone cannot accomplish.

And perhaps that is what makes Christmas with Hans Christian Andersen so special. It is not simply a ballet. It is a celebration of imagination, creativity, and the timeless stories that continue to touch hearts across generations.

As the holiday season approaches, Clarkesville School of Dance invites the community to make this enchanting production part of its Christmas traditions.

Because some of the most beautiful Christmas memories are not found beneath a tree, but in the moments families share together.

Christmas with Hans Christian Andersen will be presented Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. For additional information, contact Clarkesville School of Dance at 706-754-9984 or visit www.clarkesvilleschoolofdance.com.