On a Sunday afternoon in Fremont, the lights dim and a familiar scene comes into focus: a cozy 1970s home, a crackling fireplace and a framed photo of Elvis watching from the corner.
It’s the opening moment of “A Vibey Holiday,” Bellissimo Dance Co.’s original holiday production. This immersive, nostalgic celebration felt like stepping into a family memory.
Presented on Sunday, Dec. 14, the show took place at the Fremont Veterans Memorial Building. Featuring more than 90 performers ranging from toddlers to adults, “A Vibey Holiday” blended disco, funk and soul music with theatrical storytelling, and an intergenerational cast.
The creative vision for the production was led by Bellissimo co-founder and artistic director Nicole Pagán, whose choreography and music selection drew on the soul of the 1970s.
When asked about the vision, Pagán explained, “I grew up listening to ’70s music. The 1970s offered such warmth and playfulness, and that’s what inspired this production. I wanted the audience to feel like they were stepping into a shared memory, something familiar and full of heart.”
What makes the production especially distinctive is its collaborative spirit. Parents have played a significant role behind the scenes, volunteering hours to help create costumes, build sets and props, and manage backstage logistics. The result is a true community production.
Co-founder Jessica Jimenez explained how this production was a team effort. “Our dancers and families have poured their hearts into this production. This show is about bringing creativity and connection to the Niles community in a way that feels joyful, nostalgic and totally our own.”
Speaking roles were cast through studio-wide auditions, giving both youth and adult dancers opportunities to step into the spotlight in new ways. For many performers, it’s their first time participating in a fully staged theatrical production.
Founded in 2024, Bellissimo Dance Co. is a women-led, inclusive studio based in Niles, dedicated to helping dancers of all ages “bloom beyond limits.” With a focus on personal expression, emotional growth and community, the studio has quickly become a creative home for families across Fremont and the Tri-City area.
“Opening Bellissimo this summer was a dream, but getting to celebrate our very first holiday season here in Niles—with a show built by our own dancers and families—feels surreal,” Pagán said.
