Move over, ballet. Dancers showcase 'other moves'.
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Dancing is an art form.
And like most arts, different types of dance appeal to different people.
While many people enjoy watching the more traditional forms of dance, such as ballet, others might yawn at the thought.
It’s time to wake those people up.
This weekend, both island and off-island dancers will demonstrate some not-so-conventional ways to showcase the art of dance in a concert called “Other Moves.”
The Seattle-based hip-hop dance group “Potion” will perform.
The hip-hop dance style is known as an urban, upbeat and athletic form of dance. Hip-hop is also a kind of dance that embraces innovative steps and progresses with the times.
The hard-working group of “Potion” dancers is led by 18-year-old Cameron Lee, who co-choreographs dances with Bobby Dacones, a recent winner of two Monsters of Hip-Hop dance competitions. Former Whidbey Islander Andrea Burr is also a dancer with the company.
Many “Potion” dancers combine their passion for the art with school and jobs. Because of their busy schedules, their dance practice often doesn’t start until 9 p.m. and end until 2 a.m.
“The are really well-trained,” said Island Dance teacher Susan Vanderwood. “They are really focused, and really work hard at what they do.”
The Seattle-based dancers will be accompanied by island dancers, as well.
A group of about 20 will perform contemporary dance in a showcase of jazz, hip-hop, lyrical and tap.
“This is all very active, and for the entertainment value,” Vanderwood said. “It’s more than counting how many fortes you can do, and things like that.”
Charlene Brown of Whidbey Island Dance Theatre said the concert should be appealing to dancers and non-dancers alike.
“If someone is going to introduce themselves to dance, this is the way to do it,” Brown said. “This is a truly fun concert from the time it starts to the time it’s over.”
“There are so many musical styles and ways of dancing that you can’t help but enjoy it,” she said.
The entertaining showcase is also a benefit for competitive island dancers.
Raffles and concessions will help island dancers raise money to attend off-island competitions. While these can be beneficial for dancers, they are also expensive.
Although South Whidbey doesn’t push their dancers to compete, Brown and Vanderwood said the competitions can be a great chance for dancers to improve both their skills and their self-confidence. It can also expose them to professional dancers and instructors from all over the country.
“I think it gives them a lot of confidence because they learn how to go on stage and give their best,” Vanderwood said. “It gives them a great amount of focus.”
© Copyright 2005 South Whidbey Record