Upon graduation from North Carolina School of the Arts, Polston became a first company member of Philadanco in Philadelphia and then soloist with the New Royal Ballet of York. He is also an original member of “Complexions,”  directed by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, both originally principal dancers with Alvin Ailey Dance Company.

Also featured at the Third  Annual Christmas Dance Concert of AZDance Group will be Movement  E‑Motion, (a dance program for i ndividuals with disabilities), University of Arizona undergraduate student Rebekah Shoaf, Cindy Johnson, (the company’s sign language artist), and of course, the professionals of AZDance Group. 

AZDance Group’s newest work, “Mix’d Nuts,” will premiere during this concert and is choreographed by Newbury and Katherine McDonnell, a principal of AZDance Group and master instructor in the area. The piece is set to the music of Tchiakovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite.” Newbury and McDonnell grew up performing “The Nutcracker” and wanted to create a new and fun movement to familiar music that reveals the whimsical side of this company. Another act, “Christmas Time,” is set to a variety of Christmas carols and other inspirational music.

“For as metropolitan a city as Phoenix is, the performing arts, with the exception of the opera, are not supported in great numbers. Every corner of the Valley has an arts council ready and willing to showcase its local talents,” said McDonnell.

“The audience in the North Valley has the opportunity to appreciate AZDance Group in its Third Annual Christmas Dance Concert. Each year the dancers’ artistry soars as the production becomes more elaborate. For residents of the North Valley, it’s a wonderful opportunity to watch professional dancers right in their own backyard.”

The Third Annual Christmas Concert takes place Nov. 30 through Dec. 2, at Boulder Creek High School Performing Art Center. Tickets for Dec. 1 and 2, are $10 for seniors and students, and $18 for adults. Tickets for the Nov. 30 dress‑rehearsal concert are $10, with children 12 and younger admitted free. Groups of 10 or more are $8 per person for all performances. Boulder Creek High School Performing Arts Center is located at  40404 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway in Anthem. Tickets are available at Deer Valley Credit Union in Anthem, or by faxing your requests to (623) 55‑6494. Tickets can  also be reserved by calling (480) 215‑1916. Visit www.azdance.org for all updated news on performances and company information.