'This is the Story' at DeKalb's Sanford Performing Arts Center

The McClendon Performing Arts Institute presents its annual Christmas dance show called "This Is the Story" through Dec. 9. The dancers, ranging from ages two to adult, will deliver performances at DeKalb County's Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur.

Mitchell Kelly of "So You Think You Can Dance" fame, and former student of the McClendon School of Dance, along with Shalay Johnson who is also a former student and former principal dancer with Eleone Dance Theater in Philadelphia, will portray the roles of Joseph and Mary. Gospel great, Lydia Pace of the Pace Sisters, will also perform during the show.

"The Story" delivers inspirational dance and musical performances by the students of the legendary 30 year-old McClendon Performance Arts Institute. "The Story" has been offered to sold-out audiences for more than 13 years. Featuring traditional Christmas music with soul and a twist, "The Story" uses sights, sounds and emotions to depict the traditional story of Christmas.

This year, "The Story" will be held Thursday and Friday, Dec. 6 and 7 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. Run time is approximately 2-2.5 hours. Open seating.

General admission tickets are $20 advance/$25 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . For more details, call McClendon Performing Arts Institute at 404/343-0201.