With an entire city built on the entertainment industry, it should come as no surprise that Nevada is home to a plethora of dancers and a wide variety of dance styles. From Vegas showgirls to the classical ballet, to Native American pow-wows and famous nightclubs, the state is home to a whole spectrum of dance genres.
Classical
Nevada is home to two major ballet companies, one of which is the Nevada Ballet Theatre in Las Vegas. Founded in 1972 by a former dancer from the famous Flamingo Hotel's Folies Bergere, the company is both a school and a professional troupe. The repertoire includes both classical and modern ballets by well-known choreographers, and the company presents shows such as Cinderella, Don Quixote, and The Nutcracker.
The second major ballet company in Nevada is the Sierra Nevada Ballet. Headquarted in Genoa, the ballet performs around northern Nevada in areas that include Lake Tahoe, Carson City, and Reno. The ballet company performs a variety of styles to recorded and live music performed by the composers in residence.
Other classical and modern dance performances are put on by the Summit Youth Art Association's C2 Contemporary Dance Company and the United Dance Experience, a modern company recently created in Las Vegas.
Folk and Native American Dance
For those who enjoy traditional and ethnic dance styles, including Mexican and Native American, there are several events to experience. The Mexico Vivo Dance Company, founded in 1995, concentrates on traditional Mexican and Latin-American folk dances. Having been invited to perform at the White House and around the world, this company's costumes and performances celebrate the heritage of Mexican and Latin dance.
Mexico Vivo Dance Company is also heavily involved with the Las Vegas World Folk Festival, which is held each June. The five-day event brings in dancers and musicians from around to globe to perform on three stages, and the event includes workshops, panels, and master classes.
For those interested in Native American culture, dances from the Ghost Dance to pow-wows are intriguing, educational, and entertaining. The Clark County Museum hosts the annual Native American Arts Festival each April, which includes Native American crafts, artwork, and continual Native American music and dance. Nevada's local tribes hold events and pow-wows throughout the year, such as the Traditional Fandango, held in July in Ely; the Spirit of Wovoka Days held in August in Yerington; the Avi Kwa Ame Pow-wow held in February in Laughlin; and the Snow Mountain Pow-wow held each Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas.
Vegas-Style Shows
The majority of dancing in Nevada undoubtedly takes place on the stages up and down the Las Vegas Strip. For some of the most famous shows, try Jubilee! at Bally's, which includes traditional Vegas showgirls, dancing, and music; O Theatre, the Cirque du Soleil show that incorporates dance, movement, swimming, and visual effects; The Fashionistas, an adult show at the Empire Ballroom; Thunder from Down Under, a male revue and dance performance at the Excalibur; Fantasy at the Luxor hotel; and many more including Zumanity and Stomp Out Loud.
Vegas is the place to see world-famous musicals and dance numbers. For those who enjoy the full experience of music, lights, elaborate costumes and sets, and a myriad of special visual effects, Las Vegas has a long list of shows. From family friendly to burlesque, there are shows and performances to fit all tastes and styles. Some of the most unique include Matsuri, a Japanese production of dance, music, and acrobatics; Crazy Girls, a burlesque music and dance revue; An Evening at la Cage, a female impersonator show featuring irreverent dancers and singers; and the famous Folies Bergere at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino.
World Famous Nightclubs
Las Vegas is a city based on entertainment and fun. With a string of high-profile hotels, resorts, and casinos, and a steady stream of celebrities and visitors, the nightclub scene is always hopping. For those who want to visit the hottest nightclubs around, try Pure at Caesars Palace, a celebrity hot spot; the adjacent Pussycat Dolls Lounge; Tao at the Venetian; Studio 54 inside the MGM Grand; Coyote Ugly inside New York-New York; the House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay; and a host of other exciting clubs to experience some of the best of Vegas nightlife.
For visitors to Nevada who enjoy dance, this state offers one of the most complete repertoires around and runs the gamut of styles. For those who enjoy classical styles of ballet, Native American dances, the spectacular stage presentations of Las Vegas shows, or just strapping on your dancing shoes at the hottest night clubs, Nevada is the place to dance.
