In lesser hands, "thrance" could be the back-alley mutant spawn of theater and dance (as some have defined it.) But choreographer-director Jessica Schroeder and an appealing ensemble turn the form into a highly engaging combo of theatrical pantomime and modern dance. Schroeder's Choreography is set to recordings of holiday songs performed by a 16-member mixed-gender, multiracial ensemble spanning an entire spectrum of body types. Musical selections favor '50's arrangements of classics. Duke Ellington's arrangement of Tchaikovsky's Nut-Cracker Suite features most of the ensemble in a hilarious shopathon, counting down the days until Christmas. (Group scenes are particularly well staged.) Act 2 opens with Billy May's delightful "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Mambo." Ellington's "Sugar Rum Cherry," a twist on Tchaikovsky's "Sugar Plum Fairy," is similarly delectable. The performance is shpaed by a pleasantly campy, slightly ironic sensibility that never slips into outright mockery of holiday warmth. Clever costuming also enhances the festive flavor. ("Antler Engineers" and "Velcro Vixens," among others, are credited.) Picture 16 Santas outfitted in Day-Glo Hawaiian suits, high-kicking to the Jackson 5's rendition of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." Despite a few technical glitches on opening night - a tardy curtain, some backstage rustling, a flying Christmas present that nearly struck and audience member - A Christmas Thrance is a thoroughly enjoyable package of hiliday cheer. Outlaw Style Thrance Company at Glaxa Studios, 3707 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake; Tues.-Sat 8 p.m.; thru Dec. 20. (323) 860-6503 (Sandra Ross)