JACKSON, Wyo. — “Stasis”: a state of stagnancy, an era of equilibrium, a moment of stillness.
That’s what the Junior Repertory Company (JRC) students from The School at Dancers’ Workshop (DW) plan to explore in this year’s New Dances, New Choreographers (NDNC) performance, April 18 and 19.
“Stasis” will consist of six student-choreographed pieces, many dealing with themes of stability, balance, community and connection. The works of professional choreographers Melissa Younker, Gina Patterson and Bailey Walker will be featured alongside the student works.
Then, on Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10, students ages 5 to 18 will take to the stage and present the results of their hard work in DW’s annual Progress Performance. The youngest dancers will delight the audience with their newfound love of rhythmic movement, while intermediate students will show their building knowledge. The school’s most advanced dancers, including the JRC, will perform pieces reflecting their evolution as artists.
The School provides year-round creativity and dance classes for children ages 2 to 18 in Jackson Hole, beginning with Kinder movement, and including a full pre-professional training program. Seasonal performances for the community are part of the school’s curriculum as integral components to the training of young dance artists.
Progress Performance also marks the conclusion of The School at Dancers’ Workshop’s most important fundraiser – Keep Us Dancing. Through this yearly giving opportunity, Dancers’ Workshop is able to provide a full spectrum of the highest quality youth dance experiences, beginning with little Kinder dreamers. Donations support dance scholarships, production costs, studio and theater rental space for their students at the Center for the Arts, and invaluable guest instructor experiences from world-class artists, as well as salaries for school faculty. Keep Us Dancing has an invaluable impact on the local arts community, and for artists and creators of tomorrow.
“It is my privilege to teach dance and mentor these students as they work towards their dreams – whether they are on track for a career in dance or just enjoying after school classes.” says Eric Midgley, DW’s School Director. “The School at DW is more than just a studio. It’s a place where creativity, dedication and passion are shared with the next generations. That’s what makes performances like NDNC, Progress Performance and the Winter Production so powerful and memorable.”
A performance like NDNC costs Dancers’ Workshop $40,000 to produce. But this yearly show and other experiences like it provide irreplaceable learning and teamwork opportunities for students that truly prepare them for their futures.
“Your generous gifts go right back into the community through creative opportunities, engaging family-friendly events and unique youth experiences that you don’t always find in the remote West,” explains Amelia Terrapin, Director of Operations. “We truly believe in promoting and supporting access to the arts and movement for all people.”
“Dancers’ Workshop is the hub and the home for dance in Jackson Hole and in Teton County, but we don’t want it to stop there,” says Babs Case, Executive and Artistic Director for Dancers’ Workshop. “We love to connect with fresh faces, see perspectives from new artists and creatives, and share all that we know and learn with as wide of an audience as possible. It’s more than just Wyoming dance – it’s dance by and for everyone. And we can’t wait to share our love of dance with you.”
Get tickets for NDNC (April 18 and 19) and Progress Performance (May 9 and 10), both taking place at The Center Theater in Jackson Hole, and show support for the dedicated and passionate young dancers in our community.
