Thirteen may be an unlucky number for some, but not for the In Motion School of Dance whose dance showcase, now underway at City Hall theatre, is the thirteenth in the series.
Entitled 'Legendary', and directed by Lizz Pimentel, it features dancers from pre-ballet to professional levels in areas of jazz, tap, ballet, modern, and creative movement, as well as parents and tots, and members of the Concepts In Motion Dance Company.
"In Motion has been a pioneer in presenting themed dance shows, of which 'Legendary' is the latest, and it takes the audience on a ride featuring some of our most well-known legends," the dance school's founder/director says.
Known for being high energy and entertaining, the annual showcases combine exciting choreography and imaginative staging with overall excellence, and Ms Pimentel declares herself "thrilled" with the overall dedication and hard work which has gone into preparing the current production.
"The dancers have demonstrated a passion for dance that keeps them striving and dedicating themselves to the art form. They have spent hours in the studio preparing for their pieces," she says. "The showcase is a critical part of dance education, (through which) dancers learn cooperation, stage presence, and projection of their individual personalities."
Ms Pimentel also pays tribute to the hard work put in by In Motion's seven dedicated teachers to make this year's showcase as successful as its predecessors, "and for helping to maintain the professionalism that In Motion has become known for".
'Legendary' continues through May 15. Curtain time is 7 p.m. for evening performances, and 2 p.m. for the May 15 matinee. Tickets are available on line at www.bdatix.bm and www.inmotion.bm as well as from City Hall box office one hour before each show.
Looking to the future, Ms Pimentel says that exciting opportunities are in store for her students in the months ahead. These include parents and tot classes for children aged 18 months to three years in June; a summer dance intensive programme in collaboration with the Concepts in Motion Dance Company in August; the popular 'Princess' camp, and a new 'Heroes' boys camp, also in August.
Further information on, and registration for, each of the above e-mail lizz@inmotion.bm
In addition, 13 lucky Junior Company dancers will represent In Motion in the first ever 'Rockette Experience' workshop in New York this summer, as well as attending classes and a workshop at the renowned Broadway Dance Center.
The dance school has eight dancers currently pursuing careers in dance and the arts at renowned institutions overseas, while three have been accepted into the North Carolina School of the Arts summer and ballet programmes.
On a less positive note, Ms Pimentel reveals that the Concepts In Motion Dance Company, which has performed to standing ovations and rave reviews both here and abroad, including the Bermuda Festival, and has given over $45,000 worth of annual scholarships to worthy dancers in conjunction with the In Motion School of Dance, has become a victim of the current economic downturn.
"It is with a heavy heart that I announce all Concepts performances have been put on hold until we can find corporate or private donors who are interested in helping us to continue our initiatives," the founder/director says. "For more information on how you can help the Concepts dance company, please contact me at lizz@northrock.bm"
