Forever Dance Alaska will host its annual company showcase, this year titled “A Night with the Classics,” on Easter weekend — with three shows across March 29 and 30 in the Kenai Central High School auditorium.
Darcy Swanson, Forever Dance Alaska owner and director, said Thursday that the company showcase features only the company dancers, “pre-professionals.” She said it’s an opportunity for them to get experience on the stage and showcase what local, hardworking dancers are capable of.
“A Night with the Classics” channels an “old-Hollywood, red carpet awards night” vibe celebrating recognizable artists including Elvis, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Michael Jackson and Metallica.
In preparing the show, Swanson said many of the young dancers have gotten something of a lesson in music history. She promised “hits that everyone should be familiar with.” The show features the best mechanical skill that Forever Dance has to offer, with dancers aged 5-18.
Swanson said each age group will get their own features. Five- and 6-year-olds will perform a routine inspired by children’s music boxes, but the group will come together for larger, all-company pieces like “Steamed Heat,” a Broadway musical number with an emphasis on headwear.
In keeping with the awards show theme, Braeden Garrett will be a featured guest artist as “The Emcee,” acting as the show’s host and joining the dancers in performance.
Forever Dance’s company programs are designed to give their dancers professional-grade technical training and performance experience, Swanson said. They’ll deliver “a great night of dance,” and are relying on the community to come out and support young artists “committed to becoming beautiful dancers, doing what they love to do.”
Forever Dance Alaska’s “A Night with the Classics” will run Friday, March 29, and Saturday, March 30, in the auditorium at Kenai Central High School. There will be a 6 p.m. performance on both days, with an additional 12:30 p.m. showing on Saturday.
Tickets can be purchased for $17 at foreverdancealaska.com or at the door.
For more information, find “Forever Dance Alaska” on Facebook.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulacarion.com.
Dancers rehearse the All Company finale, “Fame.” (Photo provided by Forever Dance Alaska)
Senior company dancers rehearse the jazz routine “Sing, Sing, Sing.” (Photo provided by Forever Dance Alaska)
Dancers rehearse the all-company jazz routine “Steamed Heat,” from the Broadway musical “The Pajama Game.” (Photo provided by Forever Dance Alaska)
Senior company dancers rehearse “Waltz of the Princesses,” from “Swan Lake.” (Photo provided by Forever Dance Alaska)
Pre-Pro company dancers rehearse a routine from “Swan Lake.” (Photo provided by Forever Dance Alaska)
