Zen Arts had its first ever full length holiday show on Thursday November 17th at the Americana at Brand shopping plaza in Glendale. With the help of our friends at Nightvision Entertainment, the Zen crew was able to pull off an unbelievable holiday extravaganza amidst a gorgeously constructed stage, complete with Christmas tree, presents, ornaments, and lights. Nightvision is a pioneer in creating purposeful event productions, always staying ahead of the game with cutting-edge technology, in order to build brands into experiences.

The performance was an hour long free show created for the Americana’s tree lighting ceremony, ushering the official start of the holiday shopping season. Over 10,000 people were treated to Zen’s regularly remarkable performances with a holiday twist, including stiltwalking elves, Nutcracker-esque dancers, and a snow globe-contained contortionist. Performing in icy white holiday garb garnished with snowflake-like body makeup, our aerial silk, Cyr wheel, and contortion performers were still able to keep the crowd warm with their sizzling sets. A living teddy bear, little girl in pajamas, and ballerina rounded out the remaining cast of crazy Christmas characters, for a spirited and heartwarming family show. Oh and that big guy in the red suit was there too.

Opening in May of 2008, the Americana at Brand is a large outdoor shopping and living center owned and operated by Los Angeles real estate development company Caruso Affiliated, well-known for its other large outdoor center the Grove at Farmer’s Market. Built with the idea of a city center, the Americana features a mix of architectural styles housing 100 condos, 238 apartments, and 75 retail shops including Barney’s New York, Tiffany & Co., BCBGMaxazria, and H&M, not to mention an array of restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual fare, as well as an 18-screen movie theater. Additionally a water display designed by WET, the company responsible for the Bellagio’s grand fountain in Las Vegas, is featured at the heart of the center and performs to a musical number every hour.

In case you missed it, check out the full gallery of pics here, here, and some behind the scenes pics here.

Here’s a video of the event…