Hope Academy students should plan to come to the newMoves Contemporary Dance Festival at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater this weekend. Not only will you be able to see wonderful dance, within walking distance of your classes here (right across the street, actually), but you will be able to see many of your favorite teaching artists in action.
Michael Walsh (Musical Theater dance teacher, pictured left), Staycee Pearl (HAT Co. dance director) and Jamie Murphy (HAT Co. choreographer and substitute dance teacher) are all choreographing pieces for the performance on Saturday, May 15 at 7:30 pm. Kerra Alexander (PBT Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet and Ballet 1 teacher) will be dancing with Staycee Pearl’s company.
It is a festival of Hope Academy dance teachers… all for only $5 (for students).
And don’t forget that Hope Academy students in HAT Co. Pearl Dance will be performing in youthMoves on Sunday, May 16 at 2 pm.
HAT Co (Hope Academy Theater Company) Pearl Dance, is Hope Academy’s student dance workshop established by dancer and choreographer, Staycee Pearl (pictured right). Under her artistic direction, pre-teen and teenage dancers complete a broad curriculum of study in various dance techniques and styles. As they learn to think about and respect dance as an art form — and themselves as artists and creators – they are encouraged to make their own work. The dancers participate in the larger theater company and receive additional classes and private lessons in singing, dancing, acting and instrumental music (depending on their area of concentration). This holistic and non-competitive approach to training values and respects the “giftedness” of each company member, helping them to gain the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in school and work, and to contribute in positive ways to our community.