The Common Good: Columbia Dance Center 11-14-25
My guest today is Becky Moore, the Director of the Columbia Dance Center, a non-profit arts organization located in downtown Vancouver, Washington. Becky wanted to let us know about their upcoming Fort Vancouver inspired version of the Nutcracker. Today she came in to talk about that performance, but also what the Columbia Dance Center does on an ongoing basis.
Columbia Dance is a non-profit dance school with the mission of enriching lives through dance. Their students study classical ballet at a very detailed level, learning important life skills in the process.
With a robust financial aid program, partnerships with public schools, and accessible dance classes for children with disabilities they aim to make dance available to all members of our community.
December 19-21 you can see them on stage in their Fort Vancouver inspired twist on the holiday classic The Nutcracker. Friday night features a sensory friendly performance at 6pm and Saturday and Sunday performances are at 1pm and 5pm. With professionally designed sets and costumes, this is a production that will mesmerize audiences of all ages.
This annual production welcomes over 5,000 attendees each season — families, schoolchildren, and community members — for a magical blend of holiday tradition and Northwest history. Expect tutus and Tchaikovsky, but also beavers battling fur trappers, dancing wapato plants, Oregon Trail children, and a holiday party in the Chief Factor’s dining room at 1840’s Fort Vancouver.
Since 2019, Columbia Dance has collaborated with local tribes, historians, and Fort Vancouver National Historic Site staff to create a production that’s both whimsical and historically rooted.
Highlights:
Seven performances, including a sensory-friendly show and two daytime field trip performances for 3rd graders with Vancouver Public Schools.
Tickets from $27 adults / $22 youth & seniors (livestream option available).
Columbia Dance donates up to 1,000 tickets to families in need through partnerships with local nonprofits.
Tickets can be purchased at Columbiadance.org