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JACKSON, Wyo. — For nearly half a century, Dancers’ Workshop has hosted a cherished Jackson Hole tradition: the Winter Production. A rich opportunity for student dancers to create, rehearse, and present a professional dance production, the annual event is also a longstanding favorite for families across the valley. Photo: Sarah Averill This year, the dance performance will feature a creative reinterpretation of the beloved classic fairytale Cinderella. With plenty of recognizable elements — stepsisters, mice, a royal court, and plenty of helpful animal compatriots — "If the Shoe Fits" offers up a healthy serving of twists, turns, and unexpected surprises. A wonderful holiday tradition for viewers of all ages, the 2021 Winter Production will showcase the incredible performance skills of the valley’s brightest young dancers. “After last year’s crazy year and being unable to perform live, I’m really looking forward to having a full audience for my last Winter Production. I've had so much fun in winter productions throughout the years and I can’t wait for everyone to see this one. Winter Production is one of the things about DW I’ll miss most next year,” said Morgan May, who plays the Wicked Stepmother in "If the Shoe Fits." Each year, the Junior Repertory Company and students of The School at Dancers’ Workshop rehearse for hundreds of hours to present the organization’s annual Winter Production. Though the dancers may be young, this professional production features stunning choreography, costumes, music, and sets. Their hard work and artful collaboration on "If the Shoe Fits" will culminate with three performances in December at The Center Theater in downtown Jackson Hole. “I’m looking forward to being able to do my last winter showing for a live audience after last year’s craziness. I am super grateful for all the work the DW staff has put into making Cinderella special and truly dedicating their time to this show,” says High School Senior Kate Frederick. “I’m super excited to perform one last time as the Fairy Godmother alongside the rest of JRC who I truly consider my family.” Guided by the collaborative vision and leadership of Artistic Director Babs Case, Creative Director Bob Berkey, Ballet Master and School Director Eric Midgley, and Junior Repertory Company Director Michaela Ellingson, "If the Shoe Fits" showcases original choreography. "Fairytales have always existed to paint the narrative of good versus evil and to model how we learn to point our compass in the direction of virtue,” said Executive Director Erin Roy. “With DW's process, we take the classic fairytale and look at it from up, down, and all around, and re-orient the story in a direction that ensures it's keeping in time with our values of today. In our story, it isn't Cindy's search for a prince that takes center stage. It's her journey toward self-empowerment." Photo: Sarah Averill This sparkling take on the fairytale favorite is presented by dancers in the Junior Repertory Company and students at The School at Dancers’ Workshop. The School at Dancers’ Workshop provides creative movement and formal dance instruction for youth ages 18 months to 18 years. Each week, The School at DW offers 50 classes based on a progressive curriculum in ballet and modern technique, as well as hip hop and other popular dance styles. The faculty is comprised of professional dancers with a wide background in the field and a deep passion for sharing their expertise. “We wholeheartedly believe that the process of creation, rehearsal, and performance are integral to the training and growth of young artists. That’s why we all put in so many hours to present professionally-produced performance opportunities for all students,” said School Director Eric Midgley. “It’s been an essential part of our program for fifty years now, and especially after having to modify last year for the pandemic, we’re thrilled to be bringing 'If the Shoe Fits' to the stage.” Edie May, who plays the role of Cinderella, said: “I'm super excited for this year's winter performance of Cinderella because I love being able to work with my fellow dancers. To create a beautiful story and to show it to an audience through dance is super powerful and is such a great experience!” "All of us here at Dancers' Workshop are so incredibly excited for 'If the Shoe Fits', both staff and students have been working tirelessly to put the show together,” said Michaela Ellington, director of the Junior Repertory Company and (onstage) Ugly Stepsister. “Since last year we did a film instead of a live performance, everyone is incredibly eager to perform in front of a live audience. The audience can expect stunning dancing, comedic characters, beautiful sets, and costumes. We have shifted the story a bit and we can't wait to share it with the community." "If the Shoe Fits" will light up the main stage at The Center Theater (240 S. Glenwood Ave.) in downtown Jackson Hole at 7 p.m. on the evenings of December 10th and 11th, as well as at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 12th — after which the cast will be available to sign autographs. COVID Note: For this Dancers' Workshop performance, all attendees must wear a mask at all times inside the facility, except when actively eating or drinking. All attendees over the age of 12 must show proof of full vaccination from COVID-19, or for those unable to be vaccinated, show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event. CHILDREN 12 and under will not need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test.