Dancing for funds
Photo illustration courtesy of Martha Kelly-Fierro
The Dance Studio of Fresno will present “Ironies,” a production celebrating different dance styles, Saturday at the Fresno Memorial Auditorium. The show, which includes Fresno State students, is a fund-raiser for dance groups. |
By Nicole Tropf
The Collegian
Break, belly and hip-hop dance styles will share the stage Saturday night, in The Dance Studio of Fresno’s production, “Ironies.”
“Ironies,” the studio’s third annual dance show, is also its first nonprofit production, to raise funds to help finance its 2007-2008 performance season.
The money raised will go toward lighting, music and costumes, allowing the dance companies involved to keep educating their students.
“It’s hard to find support for the arts, and most of us performing are dance teachers. This show will allow us to fund-raise money for the upcoming classes this season and will hopefully allow us to keep educating our students as well as newcomers,” said Catie Wilkins, a dance instructor and Fresno State student.
Altered Modalities, one of the dance groups participating in the production, will be performing contemporary pieces.
The studio hopes to bring attention to the unique styles of dance that are often heard about but rarely seen and the dancers hope to spark interest in potential students.
“Most of the dancing will be contemporary with a little of our mix and flair involved. We will also have guest performances throughout the show. Our goal is to have a variety of dance styles so a variety of people’s interests can be met,” said Martha Kelly-Fierro who choreographed and directed Altered Modalities.
“Ironies” will feature Charles Montgomery and Climax. Climax is a break dancing team, which will present a street-style dance that evolved as part of the hip-hop movement.
Other guest performances will include Tanjora Tribal Bellydance. This style of dance uses movements in every muscle group of the body.
Altered Modalities will also be performing a twist to the contemporary art that will bring to the stage a creative side of movement and expression.
And a previous performer in the Nutcracker ballet, Carla Stallings-Lippert has directed a routine on stage with a live guitarist.
Rosalie Avila, a dancer and Fresno State student said, “This show helps to get our names out there. We are dance companies actually located in Fresno. You don’t have to go to L.A. or San Francisco to see a great performance, we’re already here.”
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