According to founding member/choreographer Kerry Allan, Springfield Dance Alliance "brings together lots of different styles of dance and types of dancers. We draw our dancers and choreographers from a wide variety of sources. We have a fair amount of instructors at private studios, and we do have faculty at MSU and Drury University. And we have all those graduates that are coming out of these dance degree programs." The company will present what Kerry describes as "a smaller, very advanced cast showing professional-quality works" in their Art on the Square Concert and Gala Friday August 21st at 6:30pm and Saturday the 22nd at 7:30pm in the Fox Theatre at the History Museum on Park Central Square.
In addition to dance choreography from Baroque to contemporary, there will be a special focus for the two concerts. "Dance really hasn't been presented at the Fox Theatre since back in the vaudeville days," says Kerry Allan. "It's been a long time. So we decided to theme the concert around that," taking their inspiration from the historic theater's location in Springfield's central square. The performances will explore dance's changing role through the ages, showcasing everything from classical to cutting-edge, from global art movements to Springfield's own rich cultural history.
They will also offer "a bit of historical background on the works," as well as providing post-concert Q & A sessions with the cast and choreographers. Kerry Allan calls them "conversations with the audience about what it's like to make dances, how to rehearse dances, and the artistic process." In addition there will be recorded video interviews "interspersed as we go along. The cast got together and interviewed some of the choreographers and performers to talk about the 'inside story' of making dances."
The opening-night concert Friday August 21st will be followed by a gala celebration starting at 7:30pm which will include a silent auction featuring what Kerry promises will be "a plethora of good things to bid on." Funds raised will help fund Springfield Dance Alliance's 2015-2016 season. Special guest performers for the gala will be popular local band Bella Donna. Mother's Brewing will be on hand with drinks, along with a wine bar and snack catering by Cecil's to Go.
Tickets for the Friday-night concert and gala are $30; general admission $15, students $12. Tickets are available at www.springfielddancealliance.com, or call 413-4568.
