JACKSON, Wyo. — Was it all a dream? But it seemed so real…
The golden leaves of fall fell throughout our valley, creating paths and roads of yellow fit for Oz. And in fact, at this time the munchkins, witches, flying monkeys and caring friends began to gather at Dancers’ Workshop, to ready themselves to transport you over the rainbow.
The Dancers’ Workshop is delighted to take Jackson Hole on a lively adventure down the yellow brick road with their annual winter production of The Wizard of Oz.
This cherished community tradition is the perfect way to sprinkle a little extra magic into the holiday season. Colorful costumes, intriguing choreography and the passion and dedication of both professional and student dancers lead to an experience perfect for the whole family.
“What I want the audience to feel when they watch The Wizard of Oz is enjoyment,” explains senior student Biz Carlin, who will be playing the insecure and lovable Lion. “I want them to enjoy themselves, have fun with us and dance with us and have empathy for all our characters because we are all traveling together down the yellow brick road, having some fun.”
The Lion will of course be accompanied by Dorothy in her ruby slippers, and their rusty and straw-stuffed friends as they journey to the Emerald City.
“There are so many ways to understand and portray this story – it provides such a dynamic opportunity for our students to really dig into and decide how they want us to view each character,” Michaela Ellingson said.
Ellingson is the Director of the Junior Repertory Company — Dancers’ Workshop’s pre-professional dance training program for middle and high school students. Senior student Avery Taylor, playing the Wicked Witch, provides a little more insight to what this means for the performers.
“What I am thinking about when I am dancing the role…she is mean, she is scary, she is angry, but there’s also so many layers…it’s this deep-rooted insecurity that she has, and that’s why she projects the way she does on other people.”
Avery Taylor, on playing the Wicked Witch.
The Winter Production is presented each year by student dancers and members of the professional company Contemporary Dance Wyoming. The school provides creative movement and formal dance instruction for youth ages 18 months to 18 years. Each week, The School at DW offers 50 classes based on a progressive curriculum in ballet and modern technique, as well as hip-hop and jazz. The faculty is composed of professional dancers with a wide background in the field and a deep passion for sharing their expertise.
“Put simply, the Winter Production is a culmination of the fall semester’s study, but really it is so much more,” Eric Midgely, Director for The School said. “It’s an opportunity for our students to really go through what it means to put on a fully-produced dance performance, from the costumes and choreography to the audio and audience. And they discover the power of teamwork, courage, love and understanding — very similar to Dorothy and her friends. It really is an incredibly magical learning experience.”
For the students, these memories made with Dancers’ Workshop will be with them for the rest of their lives.
“For me, home has always been the places where I share wonderful experiences with people,” says the Oz Gatekeeper, senior student Lola Roberts. “I think that I have many homes. Jackson has been my home, Dancers’ Workshop has been my home, my friends have been my home and I think those can travel and be wherever I need them to be.”
However, these opportunities for local youth aren’t possible without the support and love of the community. Every year the Winter Production Budget barely breaks even, with expenses totaling close to $100,000. For the last five years, an anonymous donor has generously offered to match up to $30,000 of funds to provide costumes, sets and production for a cast of close to 100 participants.
If you and your family enjoy this community tradition, either viewing or performing, we invite you to consider the heart, courage and thoughtfulness it takes to support this show! A gift of any size helps us reach our goal.
The Technicolor classic will open on the main stage at The Center Theater, 240 S. Glenwood Ave. in downtown Jackson Hole at 7 p.m. on the evening of Friday, Dec. 8. Additional performances are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9 and at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10.
Tickets are available online or call 307-733-4900 to get tickets now. They’re selling out fast! We can’t wait to see you in the Emerald City!
